? Best source for sub-q fluids and accompanying equipment?

Jester is now on sub-q for the foreseeable future - the vet said she couldn't be specific about how long, but I have ten more days' worth of fluids and needles.

Does anyone have any suggestions for where to get all of this in case it goes on for more than ten days?

 

https://www.felinecrf.org/cheap_supplies_usa_local_fluids.htm

Costco supposedly carries fluids by the case. Also check Chewy.com They have pharmaceuticals now.

 

Chewy has some fluids, but none of the hardware so to speak.

 

I haven't ordered yet but have been looking into Valley Vet. They seem to have all the supplies.
https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=30E072F0-7B6A-11D5-A192-00B0D0204AE5
https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=BE3ECD78-9285-4068-80EB-31C1C41EE016
https://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=0C5EA770-BFD4-4766-9995-A6512F45A249

 

Just talked with the vet's office.
They put Jester on Normosol-R with 18G needles.

Does anyone have any experience with how long most kitties are on these kinds of fluids? Is this forever?

The last kitty I had who went on fluids was on for three months until she passed away.

Also, how do you warm the fluids? They never had me do that with my other kitty but I see that as a suggestion on one website. They just don't say how or how warm.

 

I think length of time depends on what condition is being treated. Spot has chronic pancreatitis - which comes and goes - so I give it to him daily during episodes, but he can go weeks without in between it if he's feeling ok. I think certain conditions that are always present, like CKD, might be different, and require it daily forever. If it is a condition that isn't always present, you may be able to get away with giving fluids only during times of episodes... it really just depends on what he needs. You can tell when a cat is dehydrated by pulling up the skin on the scruff of their neck and releasing it. If it doesn't immediately snap back when released, kitty probably needs some extra hydration.

You can warm the fluids by letting it sit in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.

 

Thanks very much.
Our morning routine just got a lot less routine....

 

Check out this video from the Health Links forum: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/threads/how-to-give-subcutaneous-fluids-video.144366/

First tip, ditch the 18G needles (aka harpoons) for something smaller, such as 20 or 21G. The flow will be slower but more comfortable for both of you.

 

A good note about the vet's office - one of the receptionists had to give sub-q fluids to her cat. She's been lovely about hand-holding me and answering any and all questions. She said, in fact, that she used to warm the fluids as well.

Tonight is the first dosage. We'll see how it goes and how cooperative Jester is about it all.

He's such a good boy, although he's not a good pill taker. Hopefully this won't go horribly.

Wendy, I'll look into the smaller needles. For now, I just can't afford to buy anything else.

 

My vet had the smaller needles in stock. No price difference,

 

I just meant that these are the ones I already have and paid for.

 

Well, best of luck with the fluids. Mine traded in unopened ones, but you may find the 18g work for you.

 

First try was a disaster. Jester was so obviously uncomfortable and upset with the whole procedure I couldn't get a full dosage into him.

After, the fluids leaked out. I used a paper towel on his neck and what was coming out was pink. Yeah, I hurt my baby and made him bleed.
:-(

Next day I called the practice and spoke with the tech who had personal experience giving fluids. She arranged for smaller needles (20 gauge) and emailed a video link that she recommended.

Yesterday went much more smoothly. His appetite is so much better and his stools are actually *too* loose now after several days of the laxative. I'm thinking of skipping tonight since he's basically having diarrhea now.

BG is a little higher, but still too low for insulin.

Thanks for the needle info, btw. This one still looks big, but not as scary as the other ones.