Giving sub-q fluids

Giving sub-cutaneous (sub-q) fluids to a cat with CRF (chronic renal failure) or kidney disease.
Note: I've learned since the making of this video that if you are recapping the needles, it's best to do it one-handed (lying the cap on the floor or counter, then sliding the syringe into it and tapping on a surface).
Note also: I've learned that B-complex injectable is available without a prescription.
If you find my video helpful, please take the time to give me a ranking. Thanks!
For more information, see my blog at www.catsarecarnivores.org

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• sub-q
• fluids
• subcutaneous
• cat
• CRF
• kidney
• disease
• chronic
• renal
• failure

[kitschykitty]

thank you for posting this video-it has helped me a great deal-so sad to hear that afer has passed-she's such a sweetie pie in the video-Jan 08 my cat(15) was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism & received radioactive iodine-131. her bloodwork was fine until sept08 when bun & creatinine levels are showing at the high end of the normal range-started her on subq in oct 150ml 1x wkly-Dec's bldwrk didnt improve-now recieving 150ml 2x's weekly-my sweetheart is a trooper! thank you & afer for helping me

[lynetteack]

More frequent fluids are best, if you can do it. I'd recommend trying 100 mL every other day - or even 50 mL daily rather than once or twice a week.

[lynetteack]

Afer got sub-q fluids from her diagnosis (in September 2004) until she passed away from heart failure in October 2008 (at age 20). Her kidneys remained fairly stable all that time - which I attribute primarily to sub-q fluids and a quality wet diet (canned and/or raw).

[lynetteack]

Can you pinpoint what exactly your cat hates? Would giving 50 mL four times a week be better? Less restraint? Are there additives to the fluids that sting? Are the fluids cold and uncomfortable?

[bauler]

Thanks for posting. My cat Huey, age 18 had just been diagnosed with kidney disease. Learning how to do it. I'm sorry to hear of your cat's passing.

[Lillianpebbles]

Very useful information and very helpful tips on how to adminster fluids and good ideas on sterile techniques,etc. Thanks!

[CRFCat]

I give sub Q's also. Thank you very much for the vitamin b info. My vet never offered that to us and I think it would have been helpful over the past 7 years. He's still alive, and were moving through it.

[venniey]

I give fluids daily to my elder cat, I did it with with another cat before. I give the B's in the "Y" every 3 days. I have purchased grooming bags to contain the cat, as mine get antsy. I haven't seen 19 gauge, I use 20, 18 being pretty big. My cats have been 8 lbs and under by the time they needed fluids. I warm my fluids in warm water, with the bottom up out of the water.

This is a good video. I've meant to make my own, even started my own, but I don't think i need to now,.

[Snowkhat79]

You have no idea how helpful this video is for pet parents of renal kitties. If you have any other suggestions about care for renal kitties please post another video! Thanks!

[elloalex13]

My cat was just diagnosed with kidney disease, and I have to give him 100ml of the sub-q fluids everyday

[jorgerod1975]

Since when you were giving fluids to yor cat?

She seems pretty well, so tell me for how long you've been doing this to her. Thanks!