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Subcutaneous Fluid Administration
Subcutaneous fluid administration is a common procedure that greatly improves your cat's hydration status. Maintaining adequate hydration is critical to keep up your cat's appetite and comfort level as well as to prevent constipation. Often subcutaneous fluids are recommended for cats that are in chronic renal failure, a common problem especially in aging cats. With chronic renal failure, your cat can not drink enough to maintain adequate hydration. Subcutaneous fluid administration helps immensely to correct this deficit. What the procedure does is to place fluids under your cat's skin. Capillaries in the skin absorb the fluid into the circulatory system thus increasing hydration.
We will set up the system for you so that it is ready to be used. This simply involves attaching the fluid line to the bag by inserting the needle end of the line into the bag, attaching an 18 gauge needle to the other end of the fluid line and running fluid to fill the line. You will see a fluid chamber at the beginning of the line just below the bag. The chamber should always remain half full of fluid. If too full you will not be able to see when the fluids are running. If not full enough air will get into the line. If the chamber is too full simply invert the bag and squeeze fluid back into the bag. If the chamber is not full enough squeeze the chamber while holding the bag upright and fluid will run into the chamber.
Most people are apprehensive at first when considering giving their cat fluid therapy but after a couple of sessions realize quickly how easy the procedure is and how well the cat tolerates it.
We will set up the supplies you need to give the fluids at home as well as demonstrate the procedure for you and have you practice as needed.
The supplies needed include a liter of fluid, a fluid line and 18 gauge needle.
You want to hang the bag as high as possible to speed the flow of the fluids. Many people hook the bag to a coat hanger and then place the coat hanger over a door. You do want to administer the fluids in a place that is comfortable for your cat, like on the couch if your cat is used to sleeping on the couch. Always keep the fluids at room temperature.
Some people offer their cat food or treats to distract them while giving the fluids. But amazingly most cats tolerate the procedure very well and sit still while the fluids are being administered.
The liter bags used are delineated in 100ml amounts. So giving fluids from the "2" to the "3" mark on the bag equals 100ml of fluids administered. The fluid amount and frequency of administration depends upon your cat's weight and degree of dehydration.
Once the correct amount of fluids has been administered roll the clamp to stop the flow and remove the needle. There may be some fluid that escapes when the needle is removed. This is normal and should not pose a problem. Every so often a drop of blood may be seen, this too is not problematic.
Remove the cap from the needle and hold the needle at the needle base with your dominant hand. Use your other hand to tent up the loose skin over the cat's shoulders. Insert the needle under the skin, at the base of the tent at an approximate 30 degree angle from the shoulders. Insert the needle completely to the hub of the needle. Let the skin fall back into place then roll the clamp to loosen it and allow the fluids to run.
You will see if the fluids are running by examining the chamber at the base of the bag. A steady flow should be seen. You will also see a swelling developing under the skin as the fluids accumulate.
Things to Remember:
The needles are very sharp. This is why your cat does not object when the needle is inserted under the skin. Cats have less sensation in the skin over their shoulders. Watch your fingers! You will object if you poke yourself.
Always recap the needle by placing the cap on a flat surface then sliding the needle into the cap. Do not hold the needle in one hand and place the cap on with the other.
Always use a new needle for each dose of fluids administered.
Always use your dominant hand to insert the needle under your cat's skin. Use your less dominant hand to form the tent of skin over your cat's shoulders. Insert the needle completely to the needle hub.
The higher the bag of fluids hangs the faster the fluids run and the quicker the procedure is completed.
Pick a spot to administer the fluids that is typically a happy place for your cat. This should decrease the cat's stress. Try giving the fluids while your cat sits on the couch or in its bed.
Us the green plastic slide clamp to double clamp the fluid line to prevent leakage when not giving fluids.
Always keep the fluids at room temperature.
If the fluids are not running check to make sure the roller clamp is loose and the green slide clamp is loose. Sometimes if the needle hits subcutaneous fat or tissue this will block the aperture of the needle. Sliding the needle back a little should get the fluids running.
Recap the needle by placing the needle cap on a flat surface and sliding the needle into the cap. Do not hold the needle in one hand and the cap in the other----you will undoubtedly poke yourself---and it hurts. Then, without touching the open end of the fluid line, remove the needle and cap from the end of the line and replace it with a new needle for the next treatment. You must remove the plastic cap from the needle before inserting the new needle. Always use a new needle for each dose. Used needles can be brought back to the clinic for disposal.
Give your cat a treat and affection after the procedure to make the process as positive as possible!
