Subcutaneous Fluids
The administration of subcutaneous fluids can be necessary and beneficial for many reasons. Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common reasons that subcutaneous fluids are recommended by veterinarians.
The kidneys’ job in the body are to work as filters for the body by removing waste products left over from metabolism, maintaining hydration and producing hormones that help with red blood cell production and blood pressure. The parts of the kidneys that act like filters are called nephrons. They act like a filter for the blood and remove waste. When the kidneys are damaged and can no longer filter the waste products, the wastes build up in the body and we start to see the symptoms of renal disease.
By learning how to administer SQ fluids at home, you will help your cat live a longer and more comfortable life by helping to keep him/her hydrated, since cats with chronic renal disease often void large amounts of fluid and do not drink enough to stay hydrated. The SQ fluids will also help flush waste products through the kidneys. The treatment plan developed by your veterinarian will include a regular schedule for subcutaneous fluid administration.
Laurelhurst’s veterinary health care team will review and demonstrate the procedure with you at the hospital and answer all of your questions before dispensing fluids for you to give at home. The following pictorial summary is for you to refer to if you need a reminder once you get home.
** Remember, you can call us anytime during business hours and we can answer questions, help you problem solve or walk you through any part of the procedure you are having trouble with. We are always here to help you and your pet.
Assembling the IV tubing and fluid bag:
Step 1: Remove the rubber stopper from the fluid bag. Be careful not to contaminate the port from which you just removed the plug from with your hands or other objects.
Step 2: Open the IV line set, remove the cap on the pointed end and insert the sharp pointed end into the unplugged port on the fluid bag. Push the pointed end all the way into the port.
Step 3: Roll the clamp on the IV line all the way down to prevent fluids from leaking out onto the table. Hang the IV bag with line attached onto a stationary object. It will drip faster if it is at least 1-2 feet above the head of your cat. Hanging the fluid bag onto a coat hanger and then putting the hanger on a cupboard handle works well.
Flushing the line of air:
Step 4: Unroll the clamp on the IV line and squeeze the fluid chamber on the line several times to fill the chamber half full. Uncap the other end of the line (save this cap. You will need it again!) and let the fluids run through the line and out the other end until all of the air is out of the line. Do this over a sink or towel. Once all the air is gone from the line re-roll the clamp downward and recap the line. Having a little air left in the tubing is not dangerous to your animal.
Step 5: Lay the IV line in a bowl of warm water to warm the fluids as they are administered. This is not necessary, but it helps to make it more comfortable for your kitty.
Step 6: Take your green 18 gauge needle as pictured and twist the cap off the end, being careful not to touch the uncapped end.
Uncap the IV line again and insert the needle onto the IV line. Make sure the hub of the needle is securely pushed onto the line. Then twist the threaded end of the line onto the needle hub. The needle should not pull off the line easily if it has been threaded correctly.
Administering the fluids under the skin:
Step 7: Place your kitty on a table or other elevated flat surface and gently pinch the skin between the shoulder blades and pull up to make a tent. Don’t worry, this is not painful for your cat. It is how mama cat used to carry him/her as a kitten.
Step 8: Uncap the needle attached to your IV line and insert the needle into the middle of the tented area of skin and parallel to the body of your kitty.
You will feel a slight “pop” sensation as the needle enters the skin. Insert the needle all the way to the hub on the needle. Once the needle is in, place your hand on the line as it lies on your kitty’s back to keep the needle from slipping out of the skin.
Step 9: Unroll the clamp upward on the IV line and begin administering the fluids. Always check to see what your starting point is on the bag so you can measure the correct amount of fluids to give. Each gradation on the bag is 50 milliliters. The entire bag is 1000 milliliters or 1 liter. Most cats will receive 100 to 200 milliliters of fluids, but always follow your veterinarian’s recommendations.
Note: If fluids begin to run onto the table or down the side of your kitty this means that the needle has gone through the skin and is leaking. Do not panic! Simply try making the tent of skin again where your needle is inserted and gently pull the needle back until the leaking stops. If this doesn’t stop the leaking, remove the needle from the skin, replace the dirty needle with a clean one and try again. Some kitties are very thin and it is easy for this to happen. Don’t worry; you haven’t caused any damage to your kitty, just try inserting the needle again.
Step 10: Once you have reached the desired amount you want to administer, roll the clamp on the IV line downward into the closed position. This will stop the fluids from flowing. Gently pull the needle out of the skin and pinch the area were the needle was inserted to prevent the fluids from leaking out the needle insertion point. Hold this area for 30 seconds to a minute. It is normal and okay if a small amount of fluid escapes onto your kitty’s fur. The needle insertion point will quickly close up and stop leaking on its own. Also, you will see a “lump” at the site of the fluid administration. This area will not be painful to your kitty and will go away once he/she has absorbed all the fluids into the body. This will take approximately 6-10 hrs depending on your kitty’s needs.
Step 11: Give your kitty lots of hugs and kisses and any appropriate treats and praise him/her generously for their cooperation! Also, pat yourself on the back for a job well done! Congratulations you did it!
Clean up:
Step 12: Carefully replace the cap on the needle and store the fluids and line for future use. Leave the used needle on the line at the end of each session. At the beginning of each session put a fresh needle on. Follow this plan each time and you will always have a clean needle to give fluids with. Once you remove the used needle make sure to discard it into a sharps container as pictured below.
Points to remember:
- Once you have removed the cap from the needle, protect the needle so it doesn’t touch any surfaces. If you accidentally touch the needle with your fingers or other object discard it and start with a fresh needle.
- Also be very careful when placing the cap on the needle that you don’t accidentally prick yourself. Needles are sharp, so be careful.
- Be responsible: This is very important for everyone’s safety
Do not throw needles in the trash. Needles entering the household waste trash stream create a health hazard for many people. Always place dirty needles in the sharps container and when it is full bring it into Laurelhurst Veterinary hospital for proper disposal and get a new one. You can also purchase sharps containers at many other pharmacies. If you purchase a sharps container from another place you will need to return it to that same place when it is full.
If you have any problems or questions with giving subcutaneous fluids at home please give us a call during business hours at 503.233.5222.