Has anyone ever injected their pet with fluids? - update !!

As I've posted my cat is refusing to eat. When we took her to the vet AGAIN another vet in the same practice told us that if we hydrate her ourselves for 4 more days that she may feel well enough to eat since her blood tests are coming up fine. I'm so nervous but whenever she's full of fluids she does eat and acts like herself again so I'm willing do to it. We're bringing her back in on Saturday for a check up.

We were given a lesson on how to do it (DH is the one who sticks her with the needle, I hold her) but has anyone done it here? Do you have any tips?

Thanks, it's been a trying week.

Message edited 10/4/2007 6:58:42 AM.

Re: Has anyone ever injected their pet with fluids?

I'm sorry your cat isn't feeling well.

The only advice I can give is to either hold your cat down while your DH injects her or have your DH sit on her so to speak - his feet are behind her, crossed, so she can't back out and his legs are straddling her.

You will notice a lump in the spot (I'm assuming back of the neck?)...that will go down as soon as the liquid is absorbed. You can gently massage it - but I always left it.

Good luck!

Re: Has anyone ever injected their pet with fluids?

I'm not sure if my DH has had clients inject their own pets with fluids, but I do know that he will inject an animal with subcutaneous fluids (a lot) and then let the pet go home with the owners, and the fluids get absorbed over time by the pet. Sometimes, he'll have the same client bring the pet back for several days, and they'll do this.

Maybe he does have clients inject the pet themselves, I just never heard him say this.

If you are not completely comfortable, have a tech or the vet do it, and then your cat should be ready to go.

Re: Has anyone ever injected their pet with fluids?

I hope your cat feels better soon.

Message edited 10/2/2007 12:03:16 PM.

Re: Has anyone ever injected their pet with fluids?

I believe my dad injects his cat who has diabetes DAILY but I don't know his technique! I believe he does it in the hind quarters though. And when one of our dogs had fluids injected, I seen to recall it being in his back leg.

Hope your cat is feeling better soon!!!

Re: Has anyone ever injected their pet with fluids?

We've had it done at the vet's office, not at home. I'd be surprised if it was the same amount of fluids being given at home. My dog gets all puffy until his body absorbs the fluid.

Re: Has anyone ever injected their pet with fluids?

Thanks, we actually wanted to do it at home since the ride gets her all worked up. I know it's not that unusual as my mom did my childhood kitty 11 years ago before she passed.

We did it last night (same amount of fluids as she got in the office) and it perked her up a bit but she still wasn't eating that much. She will lick the baby food though. I think she may have had TOO much baby food last night (2 jars DH fed her while I slept) and she vomited yesterday after my last post.

It's so frustrating when the blood tests are saying she's fine.

Vet called last night to see how she's doing and she said the next option is to x-ray her stomach.

Re: Has anyone ever injected their pet with fluids?

We actually inject my yorkie every day with fluids. My dh holds and puts the needle in while i inject the fluids, while all of this is happening our yorkie is kissing my dh. I am not going to say this gets better it dosen't.

Re: Has anyone ever injected their pet with fluids?

Posted by LiPo

Thanks, we actually wanted to do it at home since the ride gets her all worked up. I know it's not that unusual as my mom did my childhood kitty 11 years ago before she passed.

We did it last night (same amount of fluids as she got in the office) and it perked her up a bit but she still wasn't eating that much. She will lick the baby food though. I think she may have had TOO much baby food last night (2 jars DH fed her while I slept) and she vomited yesterday after my last post.

It's so frustrating when the blood tests are saying she's fine.

Vet called last night to see how she's doing and she said the next option is to x-ray her stomach.

Re: Has anyone ever injected their pet with fluids?

Re: Has anyone ever injected their pet with fluids? - update !!

Posted by LiPo

Yeah! When I got home tonight she was BEGGING me for food and acting like her old self..we're so happy.