First of all, I am not a nurse. I just have a lot of cats since 2010....owh wow after typing this I realised it has been almost 11 years since I rescued Ms Lily.... If she's still alive I hope she makes some family happy. If she passed....I hope shes happy out in the rainbow world out there....well today I am going to potpet about Tuvok; Lily's son. 25/9/2021 Tuvok had a bloodtest and diagnosed with acute kidney infection. On the same day, he was already receiving some fluids and given kzillion antibiotics, multivitamins and some kidney medicine. He then started with RC renal care initially with soft food but now he's fine with kibbles. Tuvok is 10 human years = 60 cat years. So he's pretty old. His gums had a lot of tartar and the vet manually extracted them on 25/9. Tuvok has to be administered subcutaneous fluid every 2 days. If he is responding well, the frequency shall be lessened. Whatever the frequency is, he is still needed to be injected with fluids. Every time if we do that at the vet they are going to charge us so imagine over time how the cost will accumulate. If you are financially sound, then its alright. However, with the pandemic and loss of income, I simply cant afford it right now.......well, the vet has advised me to do it at home and gave me a 10 min training. During the training, it seemed easy. That's because you have "assistance" from the vet or the nurse. So when you are at home...the real challenge began....
1st attempt I failed miserably which I had to take Tuvok back to the vet to get his subq fluids. 2nd attempt also failed and I had to go back to the vet as well. Finally today, after threatening myself (not gonna reveal it here)...I made it!!!!
Here are some laymen things you need to do based on my own personal experience:- Mentally prepare yourself. You have to get yourself in a relaxed environment.
- Build up confidence by getting some tips over the net. There are numerous videos on You Tube to learn how on to injecting your feline family with Subcutaneous fluids.
- Make sure all apparatus are ready and tested water flow. Play around with the stopper to make sure no blockage.
- Don't push too hard on the cat if you failed. Bring to the vet alternatively.
- Depending on the size of the cat, get vet advice on the right size of the needles. If you use needles that are too thin, the water flow will be slower which means the cat has to stay longer. If no problem cat that will be easy. However if the cat is not cooperative, this will create problems. Tuvok is just a small 4kg cat so the perfect one for him is 21G (green color base).
- Get that "Cave" when pinching the skin to insert the needles. This is the part that NOT everyone can bear especially when you are not in medical field. inserting needles or even poking one is a stressful thing to do. However, I have 1 year experience in injecting insulin for Benjamin Sisko my diabetic cat, so a lot of anxiousness has gone with that experience. If the cats ran....just leave it. Get some rest and repeat in another hour or so. Don't give up easily.
- Make sure your cat is comfortable. I put Tuvok on my lap and make sure he gets a lot of pet under his chins lotsa love.
- Use fresh needles each time to ensure hygiene.
- Dispose the needles responsibly or accumulate and bring to your vets to dispose. Be aware of your local dos and don'ts for needles disposals.
- Give your cat a treat during or after treatment. As many vets advice, make it a positive experience.
- Give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done....Im going to get ice cream now and i deserved it!
That's it for now.
