subcutaneous fluid therapy in renal failure cats

Re: subcutaneous fluid therapy in renal failure cats

Martin Atkinson — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:39:52 GMT

[quote user="Charlotte Marshall"]

I had given him one lot of subcut fluid with a big syringe and a needle but he kicked up quite a fuss! Typical for my cat not to be nice and calm. I might try using a giving set first as maybe it would be less irritating if going in a bit slower otherwise I may give the button a go.

[/quote]

Once you've given a largish volume (50ml) you will have created some more dead space so subsequent administrations will be less uncomfortable. When I fit a skin button I wiggle an instrument around through the punch hole to break down the subcutaneous tissue before I suture the button in so the first dose is easier, also its less likely to leak around the edgs of the button before the tissue heals into it and seals because the presssue will be lower.

Re: subcutaneous fluid therapy in renal failure cats

Charlotte Marshall — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:18:58 GMT

Re: subcutaneous fluid therapy in renal failure cats

Martin Atkinson — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 09:01:58 GMT

[quote user="Charlotte Marshall"]

I was wondering if anyone who has used this could give me some details of exactly how you usually go about it. Is there some sort of indwelling catheter used or do you just inject the fluid? How frequently is it being done and what sort of volume is being given each time?

My own cat has gone into renal failure and his parameters went back up within a week of coming off a drip (despite usual ongoing therapies)however he seems quite happy and is still eating moderate amounts and I wondered if this might be feasible.

Thanks Charlotte

[/quote]

You may want to go to this thread: http://www.vetsurgeon.org/forums/t/8429.aspx which discusses the pros and cons of skin buttons. Despite some limitations I'm a big fan of tjhis method of administering sub cut fluids for CRF cats, I think starting before they go into terminal renal failure has to be the goal. I'm sure the rest of the forum is sick of me waxing lyrical about skin buttons so if you want more information contact me via conversations.

Re: subcutaneous fluid therapy in renal failure cats

Robin Grimmer — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 23:20:32 GMT

http://www.fabcats.org/owners/kidney/subcutaneous/info.html

Re: subcutaneous fluid therapy in renal failure cats

Michael Woodhouse — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 18:43:09 GMT

I have just injected into the scruff slowly. Warmed Hartmanns via a60 ml syringe and 21G needle.I usually give the owners a larger gauge needle to fill the syringe (16G).

You can implant a 'button' but never tried them.

Most cats tolerate very very well. 60ml per day seems to be enough for most cats in my experience.