In most cases, your vet will charge more
for sub-Q supplies and therapeutic kidney diets than other sources. If you can
save money on the basics, you will have money available to pay your vet
for regular check ups.
The cheapest place for fluids is usually a local pharmacy, but you have
to know where to go and what exactly to ask for.
Alternatively, there are good, reliable and cost effective online
suppliers, both for fluid supplies and food.
In Canada, you don't need a prescription to buy fluids.
Subcutaneous Fluids Supplies
A few people have found the cheapest
place to obtain LRS fluids in Canada was from their local
hospital's pharmacy — items not in stock can usually be
ordered overnight and will be available for collection the
next day. You can also contact medical supply stores in your
local area.
One person used
Ontario Vet College in Guelph, ON, and found their prices
reasonable.
Here are some companies that have been used with success by
members of Tanya's CKD Support Group.
Branches throughout Canada. You have to create an online
account to see prices. Minimum order is CAN$20. Many people find it easier to call
their nearest branch and pay over the phone. They will
deliver locally, delivery is around 2-4 days.
Prices seem to vary somewhat from branch to branch, but for
example:
Item
Quantity
Price in CAN$
Date
1000ml lactated ringers solution
1
3.56
2020 10
Needles size 18 or 21
100
8.80
2020 10
IV administration sets (15 drops/ml)
1
2.40
2019 05
Shipping is usually free over CAN$100, otherwise it is
around CAN$7.
Located in Hamilton, Ontario, with both a pharmacy and a
medical supplies store (separate locations).
Lactated ringers
costs CAN$7.99 a bag. Apparently prices may be lower
if you visit.
Therapeutic
Diets
Ask about buying in bulk
from your vet. One of our cats needed a therapeutic food
which cost US$2 per 5.5 oz can. However, when we bought a
case, the price fell to US$1.40 a can.
Has a section for kidney supplies (click on Feline, then on Liver, Kidney,
Renal), and sells various items, such as
maropitant and cyproheptadine at reasonable prices. Shipping is at cost.
Links on this page last checked:
05 September 2020
*****
TREATING YOUR CAT WITHOUT VETERINARY ADVICE CAN BE
EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
I have
tried very hard to ensure that the information provided in this website is
accurate, but I am NOT a vet, just an ordinary person who has lived
through CKD with three cats. This website is for educational purposes
only, and is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat any cat. Before
trying any of the treatments described herein, you MUST consult a
qualified veterinarian and obtain professional advice on the correct
regimen for your cat and his or her particular requirements; and you
should only use any treatments described here with the full knowledge and
approval of your vet. No responsibility can be accepted.
If your cat
appears to be in pain or distress, do not waste time on the internet,
contact your vet immediately.
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