Should I give my cat subcutaneous fluids?
A: Most cats like Astro feel better with subcutaneous fluid therapy, which is cost-effective and easy to administer at home. If your veterinarian recommends it for him, try it and see how he responds. Cats with chronic kidney disease lose their ability to conserve water and filter toxins from the blood.
How warm should sub q fluids for cat?
Detailed instructions on fluid administration It is helpful to warm the bag of fluids first by immersing it in a pan of hot water for 515 minutes. Prewarming the fluids (to make them lukewarm) helps to reduce irritation and make the procedure more comfortable for the cat.
What does renal failure look like in cats?
The most common changes seen are weight loss, poor hair quality, halitosis (bad breath), variable appetite which may be associated with mouth ulcers, lethargy, and depression. Less common signs include increased drinking or urinating, vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia.
Where do you give subcutaneous fluids to a cat?
The fluid is usually given under the skin high up on the chest, but gravity will often cause the fluids to accumulate lower down on the chest or tummy. If fluid is still obvious under the skin when your cat is next due for fluids, you should check with your vet before administering any more.
Do you have to give your cat subcutaneous fluids?
Make this a special time for you and your pet (not a dreaded “chore”) and you’ll both enjoy the the experience, rather than dreading it. Subcutaneous fluids are generally only part of treating feline kidney disease; a special diet and medications may also be necessary.
How can sub Q fluids help a cat with kidney disease?
If the sub-Q fluids improve Astro’s quality of life, talk with your veterinarian about making a gradual transition to a prescription diet for cats with chronic kidney disease. These diets help cats feel better and live longer. Lee Pickett, V.M.D. practices companion animal medicine.
Can you give a 12 year old cat fluid?
Q. Our 12-year-old cat has been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. The veterinarian wants us to stick a needle in him every other day and give him fluids from a fluid bag. Is this really a good idea? A. Yes!
How do you know if your cat has SubQ?
You know your needle is in a good spot if there is a nice even flow coming out of the IV bag. If your cat squirms or if the fluid comes out drop by drop, gently move the needle back and forth, or side to side, until your cat is more comfortable and the fluids come out faster.
Is it OK to give a cat subcutaneous fluids?
You can lead a cat to water but you can’t make it drink so giving fluids under the skin is the best way to help rehydrate them. Subq fluids provide the cat with the extra fluids they need to feel well.
You know your needle is in a good spot if there is a nice even flow coming out of the IV bag. If your cat squirms or if the fluid comes out drop by drop, gently move the needle back and forth, or side to side, until your cat is more comfortable and the fluids come out faster.
Q. Our 12-year-old cat has been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. The veterinarian wants us to stick a needle in him every other day and give him fluids from a fluid bag. Is this really a good idea? A. Yes!
Why do you give fluids to a cat with renal failure?
Obviously the reason for giving fluids is to hydrate the cat. For cats with renal failure, their kidneys go through more fluids than normal (the cat pees a lot). You can lead a cat to water but you can’t make it drink so giving fluids under the skin is the best way to help rehydrate them.