Little guy in my avatar was just diagnosed with fibrosarcoma which is pretty aggressive. As he is 15 and already in age related renal failure H and I have decided on palliative care since prognosis is so poor.
My question is about subcu fluids. Bo dehydrates pretty quickly altho he does still eat like it's the last supper, so vet sent us home with the fluids and accessories. I worked in vet med many years ago and know how to administer the fluids, but we had trouble on Monday night (problem #1 was that needles they gave us are too big for his tiny body). Once I positioned the needle in he was okay but he became very very agitated (he was on H's lap) and I had to pull the needle because he was ready to bite H and already was clawing him. He got very little fluids, so we took him to vet yesterday and had the tech administer. She mentioned that sometimes location is the key. They do it on the stainless steel exam tables and she said that sometimes they are so busy trying to keep from sliding that they don't realize what is being done.
H and I were thinking in the basement on the washer/dryer or on the countertop in the kitchen? We watched some youtube videos and each one featured the cat on a flat smooth surface. Any other ideas that have worked for you?
I just don't want this poor creature heading into the afterlife thinking we've been torturing him
If we aren't successful tomorrow, we'll just pay to have the techs do it.
Thanks
Re: Seshat or anyone else who cares for a critically ill pet
DX: PCOS/Recurrent losses/MTHFR mutation (compound hetero)
5 hysteroscopies/2 surgical
3 Inject IUIs = 2 m/c's and 1 BFN
IVF #1= BFP. m/c at 7w6d. Needed 2 D&C's and scar tissue removal. Mild OHSS
IVF #2 = BFP. Severe OHSS. 4 Drainings. TWINS!
Thanks Blue. It's hard to watch him go downhill.
I have to give Whisky B-12 shots, which are essentially subcu. The technique that works best for him is in his scruff, so I straddle him from behind, lock one arm around his chest, and pinch the scruff area. For 2 people, I'd say one person straddle and contain and the other do the shot.
When I worked at the vet's office, the best thing that helped with cats was to wrap them in a towel that covered their face. if they can't see, they are usually more docile. I'm not sure how long it takes to administer the fluids, but it might be long enough. The slippery table sounds weird to me, because if he was struggling, there's a greater chance of injury.
I've also been able to hold Whisky when he was getting his blood drawn in the leg by putting an arm underneath him (so my forearm is on his stomach) and holding his front paws with my hand. Then I can brace his head against my chest/chin or hold him by the scruff (they can't bite you if you have the scruff) so the person behind me can grab his back leg and so whatever they need to do. But if he bites, that wouldn't be good (the towel method may help with this though).
But eventually, you figure it out. It gets easier, on you and him.
Thanks ladies.
I'm sorry you're going through hard times with your kitty- I know it's very tough to watch an animal deteoriate. Just be thankful he had so many wonderful years of health- my little guy is only 11 months old, so he's looking at a long road of medication and blood tests