2/9 Maggie AMPS=116, +3=92, First Sub-Q fluids a success!, PMPS=127, +4=108

2/8

I got sub-Q fluids delivered yesterday, so may try to give some later today. I watched Marje's how-to video several weeks ago, but need to watch again. Any tips/tricks are welcome if you have sub-Q experience.
Maggie's got a lot of gunk around her nose and eyes even though I wipe with a moist cloth after she eats. I withheld cypro this AM to see if it is drying her out or making her nose stuffy. Her nasal passages were congested or swollen yesterday afternoon. Her breathing sounded different and she was swallowing a lot.

My thoughts are with Carla and her civvie Simba.

 

Thanks.

I hope the fluids help Maggie feel better. Sorry she's congested. Maybe running the shower in the bathroom with the door closed will help her. Sending prayers.

 

Like always, ECID. I used to give my Snickers fluids....I would sit on the floor and she would sit on my legs. DH would monitor the flow. No biggie. But when we first tried to give Allen fluids he wanted no part of it and he would struggle until I let him ago because I was afraid of hurting him. Eventually I advertised on facebook for a vet assistant in the area to help us out; she was able to give me some hints but I think her confidence in what she was doing was the most helpful...Allen was very calm. The first time she came, she did the fluids. The next two times I did them and after that we didn't need her.

 

My guess would be the cypro is drying her out too, I second Carla's steamy shower idea. I hope she eats wonderfully without it and the gunk clears soon.

As for fluids, it will depend on how patient of a patient she is. I got smaller needles for Asia, it takes longer for the fluids to go in, but the stick hurts less. I only give 50ml (so twice a day to get to 100ml) at a time because I think she tolerates it better and I'm trying to be cautious re: her heart. I don't warm up the bag first because our radiators make the house a balmy 80ish most of the time. Give lots of pets and attention during fluids so she actually looks forward to it because it only means extra attention time to her. Good luck!

 

Good luck with the sub Q. I have never done them myself. When ever he's received them at the vet office of course they make it look easy. I remember one tech said to find a place where you can hang the bag higher and the tubing in straight and the fluids will dispense faster. \

The best of luck to you today.

 

@Carol in Chicago sent me 20G needles. The vet dosed 50ml every other day.

I told my DH yesterday we should keep her in the bathroom while we take showers, after we'd both taken showers of course, so didn't try it. Been using a humidifier, but our main living area is open concept with high ceilings, so a pretty large area to cover. We have a small guest bath that would really keep the steam in, so may try that. Thanks!

Thanks!

Yeah, I know I'll be nervous, but hopefully I can shield that with help from my DH. He's good at distracting and calming her when we have to do something new or unpleasant. Thanks!

 

The vet assistant had suggested we wrap him burrito style. Which I had tried but we walked out of it We also do it on the kitchen counter because it's at a good height and he doesn't need to sit on my legs which he's not used to doing (he's very much DH's cat).

 

Vines and good luck!!! It's been years but I hung the bag from a picture hook over the sofa and say with my doodlebug in my lap wrapped in baby blanket (she was not a cooperative kitty). As everyone says, the more affection associated with the ritual, the more receptive they become.

 

Hope she feels better soon! As for hints, you should relax and be comfortable. Rose sits with me on the floor between my crossed legs. We do this in the kitchen where I can hang the fluid bag from an upper cabinet. Check first that cabinet knob will hold the bag, or figure out how to hang it high. You will need to see markings from the floor or have some one help you, so practice to make sure it works for you.

When you start with fresh fluid bag and line, close the line clamp before anything else so you don't forget.

I do warm fluid in a large bowl for a few min. This makes it more comfortable for her. I use large bowl from my stand mixer.

I pet her face the whole time fluids are flowing. She likes that. It is also how I found her recent abscess.

Please let us know how it goes. If you have trouble, I'm sure we can help!

 

Thank you again for the supplies and the support!

 

@Carol in Chicago @Stacy & Asia @Judy and Boomer The fluids I have are Hospira and the IV set is Oasis 10 drops /ml. Marje's video says the IV set must match the bag. Can I use these together?

 

I'm not sure. Did you get them from the same place? Mine aren't the same brand either, but it's the only IV set thriving pets sells and they work together just fine.

 

Carol sent me the needles and I purchased the fluid separately. Can't imagine it is a problem, but I'll keep looking a little. Thanks.

 

Yes. This should work. You need the "spike" for IV line to fit the port of fluid bag. Both are sterile and should fit snug. Remember to close the clamp on the line first. Then once assembled squeeze the clear tube to start. You will need to run fluid through the line to clear air.

Hope this helps!

 

Perfect, thanks!!

 

I'm happy Carol was able to answer your question because I have no clue lol.

 

Giving the sub-q was easy other than it took a lot longer to warm up the bag than I expected. I freaked a little when I saw the size of the needle, but it didn't phase Maggie who was on DH's lap and chowing down on fish flakes. Thanks to @Carol in Chicago @Stacy & Asia @Judy and Boomer for their tips and to everyone who offered encouragement. Thanks also to @Marje and Gracie for the great how-to video!

 

Great to hear that! Granted, I have a very chill cat, but at least for me, I was a lot more freaked about fluids than she ever was. So glad it was a success and hope it helps her feel a bit better!

 

It has been ages since I gave fluids but your comment about taking forever to warm up reminded me that I would wrap the bag in a towel and then lay it on a heating pad on low setting and then flip it once. I don't remember how long it took but you could experiment.

ETA-yay for success!

 

Yahoo for a successful first-time fluids!