Max

[nepeta]

I warm the fluids by filling a thermos with hot tap water and just draping the line through the warm water. The line is so thin the fluid comes out comfortably warm to the touch. I happened to have a quart thermos on hand but the size shouldn't matter.


I use the 20 G needles. It takes about 6 minutes for 150 cc.


I also confine the cat in a "Klaw Kontrol" bag. It works better for restraining the cat than the "burrito wrap" in a towel. Even the squirmiest cats can't get out easily. It also seems to help calm the cat down. "Calm" is a relative term.

Are you suspending the bag higher than the cat? I put a hook up on the wall and suspend the bag from there. Higher = faster flow.


Good luck with Max.

[Killearn Kitties]

We have everythig crossed here for our Max tonight. Please get better baby.

[nepeta]

If the fluid flow was very slow, you may have gotten the needle into muscle rather than in the sub-q space. If so, just shut off the flow, and remove and re-insert the needle in a slightly different spot.

[kb2yjx]

I spoke with our vet about when the fluids slows down. I told her I use the same technique that I did with IV's, wiggle the needle, it can be positional. I have never withdrawn the needle, put on a new needle, and reinserted it. The cat would not stand for that!!! Sometimes, if you just pull the needle back a teeny tiny bit, it helps getting the fluids flowing again...I have also fed a cat while giving it sub q. Spunky was IMPOSSIBLE, so I would cut up some cheese and mix it into baby food. While he was gobbling away, I could insert the needle, and get him hydrated. As you can see in the photo of Boo and Nicholas, despite Boo sitting up, the fluid still went in!!!

[kb2yjx]

Okay, I forgot the photo!!! SORRY.....

[kb2yjx]

Also, PLEASE do not reinsert the SAME needle into the cat again....EVER!!! Once the needle is inserted and then reinserted, it causes PAIN because after the needle is used once the tip is NO LONGER SHARP.

[slick]

KB2yjx: Thank you so much for your weath of knowledge. Gosh I love this site. The emergency vet (not my regular one) told me I could use the same needle 3 times before changing it, but I will heed your advice from now on. I'll stop by the vet's tonight on my way home to buy a bunch more needles. Question for you - what good does it do to put the needles in the freezer before insertion? Does it dull the pain somehow? Also, many thanks for the website link. I will check it out this weekend. That photo is soooo cute!

Lizzie: Many thanks for your input and sharing your experience.

Mary: I can't thank you enough for your advice and support.

Nepeta:

I warm the fluids by filling a thermos with hot tap water and just draping the line through the warm water. The line is so thin the fluid comes out comfortably warm to the touch. I happened to have a quart thermos on hand but the size shouldn't matter.

I'm trying to visualize this. If I see this right the line comes down from the bag and kind of gets coiled around in the thermos of hot water then the needle end comes out of the thermos into kitty? Many thanks for the link to the Klaw Kontrol. If Max becomes a problem child, I definitely invest in one.

Phesina: That candle gives me LES. Many thanks for your kind words.

In my computer/freezer/litterbox room I have a hook up high on the closet door where the bag hangs. I have a soft blankie on top of the freezer and that's where I do what Max would call the dasterdly deed. I just have to figure out how I'm going to warm up the line while it's flowing. I'm sure that I'm poking him in the right spot because I can see the water collecting under his skin. He jolts/squirms when the needle first goes in, then calms down a bit.

I have a 3 day weekend so will be able to spend some extra time with Max.

Thank you everyone else for your love and prayers. It means more to me than you will ever know and I'm riddled with guilt that I have not been able to be there for all of you. I'm so sorry and will endeavour do better.

I'm going to try and get some pictures of him this weekend to post.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Also, PLEASE do not reinsert the SAME needle into the cat again .... EVER!!!

Once the needle is inserted and then reinserted,
it causes PAIN because after the needle is used once the tip is NO LONGER SHARP.

And >>>

The needle is NO Longer "sterile" once it touches the fur and/or "dirty" skin.

RE-using a needle three times is TWO Times too many!