Max

[Medusa]

Forgive me but I wonder if the needle really is causing him that much pain because you switched to a thinner gauge, correct? The initial pin prick only hurts for a second, as we know, and after that it really doesn't hurt them. I do know what you mean about his running and hiding, though. When my Puddy saw me coming, she beat feet, too, but she always felt so much better afterwards that I felt better, too. Now it's Pidge who refuses to sit down during the treatment and I have to administer it while she stands up and tries to bolt. I've noticed lately, though, that she does have loose stools after a treatment. Gosh, it's so difficult to know what to do. Ultimately, you know Max better than anyone and if you truly feel that his quality of life is gone or significantly diminished, then you have your answer. I wish it was easier. (((HUGS)))

[Taz_Zoee]

Well, I just have to applaud both of you (Slick and Mary) on giving fluids by yourself. There's no way I could have done Taz's alone. I would have taken him to the vet every other day if Bruce wasn't here.
Did they show you to gently massage the area where the fluid is going in to help the flow go better? At least I think that's what it did. I did that, but sometimes that would make him jumpy. I think maybe because I'd rub too close to the needle.

I'm still hoping he gets better soon.

[slick]

Forgive me but I wonder if the needle really is causing him that much pain because you switched to a thinner gauge, correct?

I went back to the larger one because the smaller one was taking 15-20 min and after about 5 min he was getting really antsy. I may try the smaller one again, but tonight I'm giving him a night off. I'll see what the vet says tomorrow morning.

Taz - it is a two person job and my good friend and neighbour down the hall comes over every night to assist. I don't know I would do without her. No, they didn't show my about the massaging bit but I'm sure that would make him go berserk. I'll try to call you on Sunday night.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

Lots of prayers flying from me for you both. Extra on the way for tomorrow's vet visit!!!

[RedHedd]

I'm wondering why it's hurting him so much. When I was giving Mishi fluids, they showed me how to pull the loose skin up from the neck and put the needle into that loose skin. The vet showed me where there were virtually no nerves so it shouldn't hurt them very much, if at all.

Of course, all cats are different when it comes to treatment. While I know Mitzi behaves and lets the vet techs do what they need to do when she's there, when it's her meowmie doing it at home, she knows to run and hide. I dread the day I have to give her Sub-Q's and hope it's a long way off, although she's been having good and bad days too and I know it's her kidneys. She's being watched closely.

[phesina]

Do you think it would help if you warmed the fluid up before giving it to Max? I've seen it make a difference in some cases. I gather that room temperature fluid flowing into the cat's system can be uncomfortable because it is much cooler than the bodily temperature.

Put the fluid bag in a sink basin or bowl full of warm water, enough to cover it, for a few minutes. Then, when the bag feels warm (but not hot), hang it up again and administer the fluid to the cat.

Sending prayers for you and Max as you both work so hard to make this time comfortable for him.

Hugs and purrs,
Pat and cats

P.S., I also lit a candle: http://www.gratefulness.org/candles/...ng&cid=8749714

[kb2yjx]

I have not read this thread, and I am so sorry about your Max!!! I am not a pro, but in the past, I have had 7 cats with kidney disease. I found this site: www.felinecrf.org to be very helpful. Helen, the woman who runs the site, is very knowledgeable.If you have a question, she does answer(she did when I had a problem). Per her suggestion, I put the needles in the freezer before inserting them into my cat. It worked several times. Like phesina said, it really helps to warm up the fluids. I use 18gx1" needles. Once the needle is in, I open the control all the way, and let the fluid go in. Unlike the needle being in a vein, there is no chance that an infiltration will occur. It goes much faster. I can hydrate a real fussy cat in about three minutes---tops. I have tried the smaller needles, but, like you found, it took FOREVER for the 100cc's to go in...and when the cat thinks it is time to move on, it is really hard to keep them still so all the fluid can go in. I hope this may help....and I will light a candle for your boy....Take Care....also, I have usually Mozart on the CD's, that seems to help the cat relax...That photo has Boo getting her sub q fluids, supervised by Nicholas(both RB Angels)....Sandra