Administering Subcutaneous Fluids

This video provide tips and suggestions on how to make giving subcutaneous fluids at home low stress and as positive as possible for you and your cat.
www.fundamenta...

[@Schmool666]

Thank you SO much. All the videos say to give the sub Q between the front shoulder blades, but the cat will inevitably squirm and move their head around which causes the needle to move around & dislocate. After watching your video we tried her on the flank and she tolerated it so much better. I was just looking to make it easier. I hadn't even considered the possible discomfort of the fluid going to her front legs. And yeah... she's 18 years old and definitely has some arthritis setting in. In my opinion, yours is the best video out there. Thanks again!

[@cookiescacti]

I wanted to say thank you for posting this video. 11 years later you are still helping people like me. I have been giving subq fluids every 3 days to my CKD girl, Cookie, for the past year. Along the way, I lost my confidence. Then I found your video and it's so calm and reassuring, so I play your video during every single one of our fluid sessions. Cookie, on the other hand, loves the sessions because she gets to have her favorite treat. Thank you again!

[@juliepeters6960]

I love how all 3 of your fur babies are chilling with you. I love how calm and collected you are administering SQ fluids. I have to do this to my 15 year old cat Princess who just started chemo. She has lymphoma. I had 5 cats, but now I'm down to 3. My cat Calvin who would have been 18 crossed the Rainbow Bridge on 9/20. He had terminal lung cancer. I miss him SO much. I love watching your vids!!! ❤❤❤ Thank you for being awesome and loving cats!!!❤🐾❤️🐾

[@nonnynu]

I just did my first subcutaneous fluid for my beloved 16-yo kitty after watching your video. It was very valuable to see so many different personalities of cat and so many different levels of agreeableness in the cats. Thank you.

[@sleepinglioness5754]

You are fantastic! You are a cat fluid whisperer!! I felt so confident after watching you, I just went ahead and gave my little girl her fluids. I did it the other day and did not feel comfortable doing it, but having seen you, it worked like a charm. You covered every angle and I, and my little girl, appreciate what you have taught me. Thank you.

[@Kentama]

Bless your heart for having helped so many gatos. This video was reassuring in my first venture into doing this myself, and I'm hopeful I can get to be as good as you were in this video. Thank you so much.

[@yvonnepazos1470]

Thank you so much! This is the first sub q that my cat didn't notice AND we had a positive experience. This coming from a human that was terrified of needles because I was traumatized as a child. My cat was diagnosed with CKD two months ago and I've felt so helpless in trying to give her fluids while overcoming my own fears. We had a positive experience and it was because of watching your video and implementing your techniques. I can't put into words how much this has helped me, my cat and our relationship.

[@teresad3531]

I was trained at the vets office to put the needle between the shoulder blades. We did okay the first 3 times then on the 4th try something went wrong, I'm not sure what, but I couldn't get him to even get close enough to try again. I was discouraged & upset about not being able to help my cat. I found your video thank goodness. Today after a week of no fluids we were able to successfully administer them. We moved the operation from the bedroom to the couch and I had him on my lap. He still wasn't totally cooperative but the experience was much better. I appreciated all the extra tips. Thank you so much!!!!

[@bernielove7651]

I was so scared to hurt my baby. Watching you really have gave me the confidence to give my baby her vaccine. It turns out that it hurt me way more than it hurt her. Thank you sensible cat lady. 🐈😻

[@MerryMaggie]

Thank you so much for this! We've been giving our CKD cat fluids twice a week for almost a year now, and just lately she has become very intolerant about it and it is becoming quite traumatic for all involved. I was thinking I would need some kind of restraint, but watching you I can see many mistakes we are making. I think we fell into the trap that we have to restrain her more when perhaps we need to do it less! Also thank you for the idea of doing it in their flank. This kitty has spondylosis of the spine and can't lie on her stomach, so we lie her on her side, which makes it hard for me to get enough skin on her shoulder. You have relieved my despair quite a bit and I feel encouraged to try again!

[@smarisa709]

Thank you SO MUCH for your videos they have been extremely helpful for me caring for my newly diagnosed crf cat. You take the edge off of such a traumatic diagnosis for both kitty and fur momma.

[@KrisD007]

I’ve done this before but didn’t know I could do it in their flank. However my kitty who needs fluids has acute kidney failure and we don’t know why. She doesn’t want to eat either. I’m giving her mirtazpine as well. I could drive 3 hours to a big city specialty vet but that doesn’t mean they could find the reason or fix it. I’ve done that before and spent $5k and still had to put my sweet kitty to sleep. And I am still paying off that credit. It just breaks my heart that everything I do to help my girl feel better makes her angry. She is so mad during Sub Q, I don’t know if it’s worth it. I think she has only a few days with the way she is acting.

[@Trashrock80]

Wow!! What a pro. Thanx for the tips

[@carlawhetsel4793]

I have to start doing this with my Peaches. My daughter is going to help me as I learn how. Thank you SO MUCH for this video!!

[@charlesross2699]

Your skills are inspiring! Helps me with my 23 year old Louie, who is more like Charcoal. The catch-22 is that when he was first prescribed, he was scrawny and weak and was easy to handle and seemed to enjoy getting hydrated. As he got healthier, he got more wiggly, so your tricks are gold.

[@Glad77broome]

Hi Charles, you can get smaller needles on Amazon for your baby. They are better because it easier to penetrate his skin and you can get 100 needle for a better price. I’m hoping Louie is well.

[@meomeoow]

@@Glad77broome Hi Glad77broome! Do you mind letting me know the exact size (the #) I should get? What term did you use to search? Thank you so much!

[@KrisD007]

@@Glad77broomebear in mind smaller needles mean longer drip time…. After the initial poke it doesn’t bother them, they just want to be free… longer time stuck with a needle or shorter time?

[@tabniletley2643]

Thank you so much for posting this. It has made a genuine impact in the quality of my kitties life and health.

[@ratitrajectory6664]

You are so confident. I wish I could be as steady as u.

[@shweppy]

Thank you for this!! I need to start giving my 11 year old Bootsie fluids, and I've been freaking out all week about it. I tried it this morning, but didn't have much luck getting the needle through her skin. I'm going to try again tonight after she's had her dinner and is chilling out.

[@FundamentallyFeline]

Be sure to also view the How-To Give A Sub Q injection video to assist you further! I can also offer you a "troubleshooting medicating" consult if you need further help.

[@Glad77broome]

Hi Andy, I got small needles from Amazon, and they are smaller than the one I get from my vet. You will feel better giving the shot. Those that vet sell are Too big and is so hard to poke my cat skin. The ones that are from Amazon are way better, and you can buy 100 counts for cheaper price.

[@enia2435]

@@Glad77broome Please keep in mind that Amazon also sells needles and syringes for only industrial use. Those are not sterile. So, if you come across what appears to be a great deal on Amazon for those items, read really carefully the description. It has to say 'sterile' or/and 'for medical use'!

[@Deba7777]

Cool examples in the different puddys! Thank you!

[@micolsen8895]

I bow to you. Thanks.

[@marianhutchison596]

So excellent. Very clear, well spoken, and informative. Thank you.

[@karenedgar9372]

That was an awesome video. Beautiful kitties! I may be administering fluids to my 12 yr old with newly diagnosed severe kidney disease. Watching you helped a lot although I’ll be nervous my first time ❤️🙏🏼👌🏼

[@Glad77broome]

Hi Karen, if you are starting some fluid buy the needles on Amazon. The quality is better and are smaller in size, so you can penetrate easier, and carefully. The price is great and you can get 100 needles, and they are great for your baby. Because the ones that the vet sell are larger and you don’t want to hurt your baby. Once you started to give fluid, the cat stop drinking water and you don’t want this. Cat don’t like water much. You will see that they stop drink water and that is why they get kidney problems. Good Luck.

[@RobinPhillips]

GREAT lesson, thankyou❤

[@ginabee1212]

Great video! I am going to get trained on this on Tuesday, so this gives me a lot of hope. Thank you!!

[@Glad77broome]

Get smaller needles from Amazon. They are smaller and better to penetrate your cat skin. It dies that same job as the one that the vet sell.

[@dudebromisterjake]

Thank you.

[@angelinahuynh5255]

This is a best instructor video ever. Wish I have a nerve to do this for my cat

[@TheBlackapple123]

ugh thank you! you are just so good at this, definitely gives me a feeling of comfort, im working up the nerve since we have to do this now.

[@wyesjcbnwr8606]

Wow. Absolutely amazing. You are a cat Angel. I have never seen anything so amazing. Thank you for sharing. I have a question, Ingrid. It is clear that you are paying attention to every little detail to make the experience as painless as possible for the cat (and yourself). What are the best needles you would recommend? Thank you.

[@jenniferrice5877]

Really informative. Thank You So Very Much. Just started Buzzy on fluids.

[@Glad77broome]

Hi Jennifer, if you started to give your cat fluid, go on Amazon and get a better quality, and smaller needles so you don’t hurt your baby. You get smaller needles which is great for kitten. You can get 100 count for a better deal.

[@TheFunkeeDeeva]

I found this just today and it really helpful....thank you so much.....

[@Smurfygurly]

Really helpful video and your cats are beautiful 😻

[@karenhansen588]

I agree you are a cat wizard/whisperer. My cat is VERY thin, old, & my Vet said to do only between shoulder blades, but it goes thru 7&the last time I didn't even know, the whole amt. went under him . I picked him up saw it all soaking wet 7 wanted to cry. PLEASE HELP...

[@ashrafgad69]

Thanks for you....

[@kwd57]

Where are you buying your fluids? The best place I have found is Costco. Less than two dollars a bag when bought by the case. Needles are about ten dollars, for a box of 100. I don't remember why, but our vets want us to stick with the neck area only.

[@FundamentallyFeline]

I work for a veterinarian so I get my fluids at work. Thanks for viewing, hope you found these helpful.

[@petercarrick2678]

yes .. and where do we who ant vets get theirs to do it at home she and i are asking

[@lauries.4454]

Hi kwd57, I have used my cat's neck area for over a year now, and there is definite scar tissue building up. It's tough and thick like leather, and I have trouble penetrating with the needle. Not fun for Lucy or for me. I'm going to try the flank and see how it goes. Also about that scar tissue, I've heard unofficially, that oral vitamin E is good for the skin, and also massaging the thickened area with some same Vitamin E to rub in and get it loose. I also bought a $10 mini massager from Amazon, with two speeds; tried it on her tonight. I made her ears tickle, annoyingly, so I have to work on my placement of the massager. It's all worth a try, for my BFF girl. THANK YOU, INGRID, FOR EDUCATING US ALL ON MAKING THIS A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE FOR US AND FOR OUR CATS. You rock!

[@Glad77broome]

Hi, thank you for showing how you doing it. Can you tell me where you get this food so I can give it to my Nicholas. I started this IV, and I would like to give him something while doing it.

[@tanjad7394]

AH you are so lucky, I just started my cat on fluids and he is not happy. It takes two of us and we do need to hold him while it’s happening. Some days are better than others and we manage to give him some fluids every time (he is on 100mil every other day we give him anywhere between 50-100 every time) I do have a question for you - even if the cat moves a little around how come your needle does not pop out? It seems when my cat just turns his head around the needle comes out. What size needle do you use?

[@Glad77broome]

Hi Tanya, I bought my needles on Amazon and they are smaller and are better to penetrate my cat skin. I bought 100 counts and they are smaller and better for my cat. It does the same as the one that you buy from the vet.

[@TheRealLorraineAliceCalderon]

www.felinecrf.org/index.htm This site Tanya's comprehensive guide to feline chronic kidney disease has some wonderful tips and for what to do about the needle poping out.

[@jaan7436]

💗💓

[@bhumanecate]

Wow, your kitty licks the Hills K/D diet right out of the syringe! How do you feel about force feeding them with the Hills K/D? I have to get my kitty eating better. She had a bad infection and was just hospitalized. I'm just starting the fluids, but I have to get her interested in food. She is 19. Are those all your kitties? You have that many on fluids? wow! Are you using the same needle for all four cats? I'm nervous about using the flank.

[@sulleyk140]

Thank you for all the great pointers, i have a 15 year old with kidney disease. I give him 65 mls a day and i would love to give him more but I don’t want to stress him out. Ill try switching him to a drip instead of a large syringe, what size needle do you use to allow a quicker drip but also which has the least painful pock?

[@yolymorarias]

Very nice done! What kind of food are you giving to your cat in the syringe? Thank you.

[@Glad77broome]

Hi Belle, you can get the syringe on Amazon, and also you can also get smaller needles for better price. I bought 100 count for great price.

[@samuelcruz5279]

Awesome video. Thank you for showing use these tricks. Going to start my cat on fluid this Monday. Do you use regular saline iv or ringers lactate?

[@drinaciofernandes]

What treats are you feeding?

[@karenhansen588]

PLEASE READ MY COMMENT I LEFT ON YOUR HOW TO GIVE PILL, I COULDN'T FIND THIS ONE. MY CAT IS VERY OLD THIN FURRY. I'M HAVING NO LUCK AFTER 2MTHS W USING HIS TENTED UPPER BACK. I WANT TO TRY THR FLANK. I THINK IT WOULD BE BTTR, MAYBE EASIER TO SEE BUT MY VET SAID HE'S NVR DONE THAT..... I ALSO SAW MY OLD CAT HURTING AFTER A SUCCESSFUL IV AS IT DID GO TO HOS FOOT...WHAT CAN I DO?

[@lorrainemoore7402]

What is that food you give them??

[@Psilocybin77]

So many cats!!!!

[@nakeyguy8050]

Simone hopped on the couch like, I'm next. Lol

[@paulcoene6094]

So how do you know as you're giving the cat his treat and you're not holding him down that the needle isn't going to shift and poke him if he squirms or moves around? I'm insanely worried after I put the needle in that somehow his movements are going to hurt him.

[@sugarlien]

How come your fluid looks brown at the end where the needle is?

[@MrAerialsound]

Hi ---- What is the state of his kidney function 50% or less?

[@Glad77broome]

Hi, does cats stops drinking water after a while I see that on my Nicholas. I notice he lays on the liquid side, is that normal or should I switch him around??

[@nadiataylor2566]

How long does it take on average to get 150/ 200ml fluids into them?

[@chris101gray3]

Tried everything, my cat wouldn't allow it. She passed away from KD and hyperthyroidism.

[@LoveABun]

You need to use a smaller gauge needle! That hurts him when it’s inserted! You can tell by his facial and body language before you even insert the needle that he is anticipating pain. And sure enough, he jumps and meows upon insertion. 😪 This should not be a negative experience for a cat. The typical 18 gauge needles vets use-which you’re probably using here-are for speed only. They do not take the comfort of the cat into consideration. I’ve administered subQ LRS fluids to over 3 dozen rescue senior cats in the last 30 or so years. I have always used a 21 gauge Terumo needle. Terumo is an excellent, extra sharp brand. It is extra smooth; it glides into the skin like butter! The size 21 doesn’t illicit any response at all from my cats.

[@faireneleong1305]

Hi! I do the subQ when my cat is hving dinner. He would be in standing position. Which direction would you tent him?

[@kaytyler7372]

I have to hold the needle in or it will slip out.

[@silliaek]

I'm jealous of peaches

[@majortom5190]

What gauge of needle is the best?

[@TheRealLorraineAliceCalderon]

Is it normal for your cat to throw up after the fluids?

[@alicesacco9329]

My cat went under fluid for one week, before dying. She was 19 and her kidney stopped to work.

[@TheRealLorraineAliceCalderon]

sorry to hear. *hugs*

[@sugarlien]

well, I have the same, hanger above the sofa. Other than that, nothing right. The fluid just all over the fur, 99% of the time. Licking the prescription food? that's even more impossible for my baby~

[@counttessa]

[@sondracee8989]

Hi I and wondering why you're getting all of your cats that fluid do all of your cats need it or they dehydrated or they not urinating why do they need fluids why do all three of your cats need the fluids I don't understand

[@deb7638]

Most of her cats are oriental breed so b12, fluids, insulin etc are a common need for them once they get past a certain age, they are quite prone to kidney disease, IBS, bladder infections etc, I’m guessing since she’s a vet nurse she may adopt these cats that need extra care since she has the capacity to look after their health needs.

[@LoveABun]

150ml is an awfully lot for a cat the size of the first one!!

[@enia2435]

It must be way bigger. Because I also use a 21G butterfly needle and it takes 7 minutes for 80ml. But I use the syringe method with an extension and have to change syringes in between. So this takes a bit of time too.

[@01chittock]

Sorry but could you tell me why you are giving water to so many cats? Do you rescue ill cats ?

[@TheRealLorraineAliceCalderon]

Kidney failure is very common in cats who live long enough to get it. She probably got her cats when they were all about the same age as kittens.

[@deadmanandthebullet]

Are those all of your cats?? Why do they all need fluids??