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Cats – Subcutaneous Fluid Administration FACTSHEET
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Are there any alternatives? I don't really want to do this. This is a normal reaction for most people. Giving injections is outside the comfort zone for almost everyone outside the medical professions. However, subcutaneous fluid administration is not nearly as difficult as it sounds. The benefits provided to your cat will make it well worth your time to learn this simple technique. Please ask your veterinarian to demonstrate the procedure.
How is the equipment assembled? The equipment consists of a bag of fluids, a drip set, and a needle. The drip set is a tube which connects the fluid bag to the needle. The following steps should be followed:
Where is the needle inserted? Insert the needle just under the skin in a location where the skin is loose. The most comfortable and safest for the cat is between the shoulder blades. Other areas are on each side of the cat.
How is the needle inserted?
Note: It is not necessary to "sterilize" the skin with alcohol before inserting the needle. In reality, wiping a little alcohol on the skin does not really sterilize it, and the odor and feel of alcohol may aggravate your cat.
What should I expect as the fluids are running? Most cats tolerate this procedure quite well. However, if the fluids are unusually cold or hot, they may be uncomfortable. Ideally, they should be stored at body temperature or warmed by placing the bag under running hot water. If you warm them, test the temperature of the fluids on your forearm as you would do for a baby's formula. However, as long as they are at room temperature, most cats are fine. Do not refrigerate them. As the fluids are running, a lump will form under the skin. Do not be alarmed; this is the fluids.
What if air bubbles are carried under the skin? There is no problem if a few bubbles of air are injected under the skin. If quite a bit of air gets under the skin, you may feel a crackling sound when you push on the skin, and your cat may experience mild discomfort for a couple of hours, but no real harm will occur. The body will eventually absorb the air.
What if the fluids stop running? This often happens when the end of the needle moves against the skin or the underlying tissue. Do not remove the needle; rather, gently reposition it by moving the needle slightly back and in again, until the fluids begin to flow again. Experiment with the needle's position until the fluids flow freely.
How much do I give? Your veterinarian will determine in advance how much fluid you will give for your cat's specific situation. As a rule, the average sized cat should receive 100-150 ml of fluids at one time. All of the prescribed amount is placed in the locations mentioned above, over each of the front legs.
What do I do when I have given the prescribed amount?
Is there anything different about giving fluid on subsequent treatments? The administration is the same. The fluids are less likely to be contaminated by bacteria from the skin if you discard the used needle at the end of each administration. Before discarding the old needle, replace the protective cap on it so someone will not be stuck. If you wish, you may return it to your veterinarian for proper disposal.
I tried to give fluids, but the flow was very slow. What should I do? When you are finished giving fluids, you should close the lock firmly. However, closing the lock firmly may crush the tubing so that fluid will not flow well on subsequent use. If this happens, move the lock to another place on the tubing, and open the crushed area of the tube by pinching it with your fingers.
How long until the lump of fluid is gone? It will take about 2-4 hours for all of the fluid to be absorbed. In some cases, it might even be up to 6 hours. If absorption is slow, gravity may cause the fluids to migrate downward. They could move under the skin of the front or rear legs. However, if this happens, they will still be absorbed.
I have used this bag for several treatments, and now the fluid is cloudy. What does that mean? If any cloudiness or discoloration occurs, do not use the bag. It usually means that the fluids have become contaminated with bacteria. If you administer these fluids to your cat, a serious infection may occur under the skin.
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