SQ Fluids in Cats
SQ fluids, or subcutaneous fluids, are administered to cats under the skin to treat dehydration and support various health issues, most commonly chronic kidney disease. A veterinarian provides a prescription, training, and the necessary supplies, including fluid bags, tubing, and needles, to give the fluids at home. The procedure involves warming the fluids, lifting the loose skin between the shoulder blades, inserting a new needle parallel to the spine, and allowing the fluid to flow from a suspended bag or a syringe.
Why are SQ Fluids Used?
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Hydration: SQ fluids deliver fluids directly into the tissues, bypassing the digestive system, for effective rehydration when a cat is not drinking enough.
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Supportive Care: They provide crucial supportive care for various conditions like chronic kidney disease, chronic vomiting and diarrhea, and cancer.
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Improvement: SQ fluids can improve a cat's energy levels, appetite, and overall well-being, although they don't cure the underlying disease.
What Supplies Are Needed?
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Fluid Bag: A bag containing a sterile solution, such as lactated Ringer's (LRS) or 0.9% saline, is prescribed by your vet.
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Drip Set (or Syringe): This connects the fluid bag to the needle, controlling the fluid flow.
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Needle: An 18-gauge Teflon-coated needle is commonly used. A new needle must be used for each administration.
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Other supplies: Gauze, a hanger for the fluid bag, and a way to warm the fluid may also be needed.
How to Administer SQ Fluids
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Prepare: Warm the fluids to room or body temperature by placing the bag in hot water. Assemble the drip set and bleed out any air from the tubing.
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Position: Find a comfortable place for your cat and yourself.
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Find the Site: Locate the loose skin between your cat's shoulder blades.
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Insert Needle: Gently lift the skin tent and insert the new, sterile needle between your fingers, parallel to the body.
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Infuse: Open the roller clamp on the drip set to start the fluids flowing. The fluids will create a pocket under the skin that is slowly absorbed.
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Remove Needle: Once the prescribed amount is delivered, clamp the line, remove the needle, and apply slight pressure to the site with gauze for a moment.
Important Considerations
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Veterinary Guidance: Your veterinarian will provide a prescription, teach you the proper technique, and determine the correct fluid type, volume, and frequency.
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Hygiene: Always use a new, sterile needle for each administration to prevent infection.
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Monitor Your Cat: Watch for signs of pain or persistent swelling at the injection site, which may require a new needle or injection location.
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Normal Reactions: A fluid pocket under the skin is normal and should resolve. Some leakage is also normal.
Contact
If you have any questions, please send a private message to admin via our Facebook group or reach out to us via our email or phone.
559-248-1744