Tanya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TANYA'S

COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE TO

FELINE CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

24 July 2000 - 24 July 2020

Twenty years online!

(Not tax deductible since I am a private individual)

 

 

 

 

ALL ABOUT SUBCUTANEOUS FLUIDS (SUB-Qs)

 

ON THIS PAGE:


What Are Sub-Qs?


Why Use Sub-Qs


When to Use Sub-Qs


How Much to Give


If Your Vet Recommends Large Amounts of Fluid


How Often to Give


Will I Always Have to Give Them?


Ways of Giving Sub-Qs: Giving Set, Syringe, or Implanted Catheter/Skin Button


Giftube or Implanted Catheter


Coping with Giving Sub-Qs


When Not to Give Subcutaneous Fluids


 

 

HOME


Site Overview


Just Diagnosed? What You Need to Know First


Search This Site


 

WHAT IS CKD?


What Happens in CKD


Causes of CKD


How Bad is It?


Is There Any Hope?


Acute Kidney Injury


 

KEY ISSUES: PROLONGING LIFE


Phosphorus Control


Hypertension

(High Blood Pressure)


Proteinuria


Anaemia


Potassium Imbalances


Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infections) and Urinary Tract Infections NEW


Metabolic Acidosis


Kidney Stones


 

KEY ISSUES: HELPING YOUR CAT FEEL BETTER


Nausea, Vomiting, Appetite Loss and Excess Stomach Acid


Maintaining Hydration


The B Vitamins (Including Methylcobalamin)


Constipation


 

CAT FOOD DATA


Ways of Assessing Food Content, Including What is Dry Matter Analysis


How to Use the Food Data Tables


USA Canned Food Data


USA Dry Food Data


USA Cat Food Brands: Helpfulness Ratings


USA Cat Food Brands: Contact Details


USA Food Data Book


 

SUPPORT


Coping with CKD


Tanya's Support Group


Success Stories


 

SYMPTOMS


Important: Crashing


Alphabetical List of Symptoms and Treatments


Fluid and Urinary  Imbalances (Dehydration, Overhydration and Urinary Issues)


Waste Product Regulation Imbalances (Vomiting, Appetite Loss, Excess Stomach Acid, Gastro-intestinal Problems, Mouth Ulcers Etc.)


Phosphorus and Calcium Imbalances


Miscellaneous Symptoms (Pain, Hiding Etc.)


 

DIAGNOSIS: WHAT DO ALL THE TEST RESULTS MEAN?


Early Detection


Blood Chemistry: Kidney Function, Potassium, Other Tests (ALT, Amylase, (Cholesterol, Etc.)


Calcium, Phosphorus, Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism


Complete Blood Count (CBC): Red and White Blood Cells: Anaemia and Infection


Urinalysis (Urine Tests)


Other Tests: Ultrasound, Biopsy, X-rays etc.


Renomegaly (Enlarged Kidneys)


Which Tests to Have and Frequency of Testing


Factors that Affect Test Results


Normal Ranges


International and US Measuring Systems


 

TREATMENTS


Which Treatments are Essential


Fluid and Urinary Issues (Fluid Retention, Infections, Incontinence, Proteinuria)


Waste Product Regulation (Mouth Ulcers, GI Bleeding, Antioxidants, Adsorbents, Azodyl, Astro's CRF Oil)


Phosphorus, Calcium and Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (Calcitriol)


Phosphorus Binders


Steroids, Stem Cell Transplants and Kidney Transplants


Antibiotics and Painkillers


Holistic Treatments (Including Slippery Elm Bark)


ESAs (Aranesp, Epogen etc.) for Severe Anaemia


General Health Issues in a CKD Cat: Fleas, Arthritis, Dementia, Vaccinations


Tips on Medicating Your Cat


Obtaining Supplies Cheaply in the UK, USA and Canada


Working with Your Vet and Recordkeeping


 

DIET & NUTRITION


Nutritional Requirements of CKD Cats


The B Vitamins (Including Methylcobalamin)


What to Feed (and What to Avoid)


Persuading Your Cat to Eat


2007 Food Recall USA


 

FLUID THERAPY


Oral Fluids


Intravenous Fluids


Subcutaneous Fluids


Tips on Giving Subcutaneous Fluids


How to Give Subcutaneous Fluids with a Giving Set


How to Give Subcutaneous Fluids with a Syringe


Subcutaneous Fluids - Winning Your Vet's Support


Dialysis


 

RELATED DISEASES


Heart Problems


Hyperthyroidism


Diabetes


Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)


Pancreatitis


Dental Problems


Anaesthesia


 

OBTAINING SUPPLIES CHEAPLY


UK


USA Online


USA Local (Fluids)


Canada


 

SAYING GOODBYE


The Final Hours


Other People's Losses


Coping with Your Loss


 

MISCELLANEOUS


Prevention


Feline CKD Research, Including Participation Opportunities


CKD Research in Other Species


Share This Site: A Notice for Your Vet's Bulletin Board or Your Local Pet Shop


Canine Kidney Disease


Other Illnesses (Cancer, Liver) and Behavioural Problems


Diese Webseite auf Deutsch


 

SITEOWNER (HELEN)


My Three CKD Cats: Tanya, Thomas and Ollie


Find Me on Facebook


Follow Me on Twitter


Contact Me


Home > Fluid Therapy > Subcutaneous Fluids

 


Overview


  • Subcutaneous fluids (sub-Qs or subcuts) are fluids given via an injection under the skin rather than via a vein. This means they can be given at home.

  • In the USA and Canada, it is common to give sub-Qs to CKD cats to maintain hydration. Unfortunately, sub-Qs are not routinely offered in most other countries.

  • This page provides an overview of the basics of sub-Qs, including when to start them, how much to give and how often.


What are Subcutaneous Fluids (Sub-Qs)?


 

Subcutaneous means under the skin; so subcutaneous fluids, commonly known as sub-Qs in the USA and subcuts in the UK, are a way of hydrating the cat by carefully introducing fluids under the skin. Instead of placing a slow drip of fluids into the cat's vein, as happens with intravenous (IV) fluids, the fluid is injected just under the skin with a needle. The fluid then gradually disperses throughout the cat's body, and helps him or her to maintain hydration at the correct level.

 

The fluids used are particular types of fluid with the correct balance of electrolytes (salts). There are various types of fluids available (see Tips on Giving Subcutaneous Fluids) and your vet can select the fluid most suitable for your cat. 

 

Giving sub-Qs only takes about five minutes and can be easily done by a trained layperson, so if your cat needs them, your vet should be able to teach you how to give them at home.

 


Why Use Subcutaneous Fluids?


 

The cat is an unusual animal in that it has the ability to concentrate its urine, a little like a camel; this is believed to be a legacy of its African heritage. However, in cats with CKD, this ability gradually disappears, and cats then produce a very dilute urine: the urine looks weaker in colour, has little odour, and the cat will often produce copious amounts. 

 

This increase in urination leads the cat to drink more and more in order to maintain hydration; and for a time the cat can manage to maintain some kind of balance. Eventually, however, the cat simply cannot drink enough to keep up with his or her urination rate, and dehydration (which doesn't only mean a loss of body fluids, but also of electrolytes necessary for proper function) occurs. Sometimes this becomes so severe that the cat crashes (i.e. becomes dehydrated enough to need IV treatment at the vet's), as happened to Thomas. 

 

Even if your cat does not suffer such a crisis, the ongoing low-level dehydration that accompanies CKD can be debilitating and uncomfortable; can cause toxin levels in the blood to rise; reduces blood flow through the kidneys, and the kidneys deteriorate even more. Evidence-based step-wise approach to managing chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats (2013) Polzin DJ Journal of Veterinary Emergency Critical Care (San Antonio) 23(2) pp205-15 states that dehydration "may promote deterioration in kidney function."

 

Not only that, but dehydration feels horrible. Human CKD patients have described dehydration and the accompanying high levels of toxins in the blood as feeling similar to a bad hangover. It can make you feel so horrible that you stop eating and drinking, and according to Evidence-based step-wise approach to managing chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats (2013) Polzin DJ Journal of Veterinary Emergency Critical Care (San Antonio) 23(2) pp205-15, it may even "precipitate a uremic crisis" and "predispose to AKI [acute kidney injury]."

 

Therefore the purpose of sub-Qs is to keep your cat nicely hydrated, which in turn should help maintain kidney function and improve wellbeing by avoiding that hungover feeling.

 

You will note I don't mention "flushing" the kidneys as a reason for giving sub-Qs. Flushing the kidneys is not the goal, because that is additional work for them. The goal is to keep your cat properly hydrated and comfortable, nothing more, nothing less.

 


When To Use Subcutaneous Fluids


 

Although sub-Qs can be of great benefit to cats who need them, not all CKD cats need them immediately. As mentioned above, the purpose of sub-Qs is to keep the cat hydrated enough to avoid dehydration occurring. However, cats with early stage CKD can usually drink enough to offset their increased urination, and thus do not become dehydrated even without sub-Qs.

 

Processing sub-Qs in itself places an additional workload on the kidneys, plus it can flush out certain nutrients, reduce potassium levels and raise sodium levels. Sodium is a particular concern. Sub-Q fluids contain sodium and Staged management of chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats (2009) Polzin D Presentation to the 34th World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress states "Because recent evidence suggests excessive sodium intake may harm the kidneys, recommendations for long-term sodium administration in any form should be carefully considered." The harm to which Dr Polzin is referring is that high levels of sodium have to be removed by the kidneys, which is additional work for them and in the process free radicals are created.

 

Giving too many fluids or too soon may also increase the risk of overhydration. This is a particular risk for cats with heart problems. Therefore it is best not to begin fluids until the advantages are likely to outweigh the disadvantages i.e. when a cat would become dehydrated without them.

 

Dr Katherine James of the Veterinary Information Network believes that this tends to happen and that most CKD cats will benefit from subcutaneous therapy once creatinine levels are consistently over 3.5-4.0 mg/dl (USA) or  300-350 µmol/l (international). This equates to high Stage 3 of the IRIS staging system. If your vet thinks your cat's CKD is less advanced than this, and your cat does not appear dehydrated, then it is probably better to hold off on sub-Qs for the moment.

 

The main exception to this general rule is cats who previously had a higher creatinine level, usually at diagnosis. So if, for example, your cat has creatinine of 6.0 mg/dl (USA) or 550 µmol/l (international) at diagnosis, but this gradually falls to 3.5 mg/dl (USA) or 300 µmol/l (international), s/he will probably benefit from regular sub-Qs. Cats with pancreatitis are prone to dehydration and may need sub-Qs even if their creatinine level is lower than 3.5 mg/dl (USA) or  300 µmol/l (international).

 

Also, any time more water is going out than is coming in, sub-Qs may be needed short-term. Thus, a CKD cat who is a bit below par because of vomiting or diarrhoea causing dehydration, or who stops eating or drinking, may benefit from sub-Qs as a one-off — my vet gave sub-Qs to my non-CKD cat when she had severe vomiting and diarrhoea for this reason.

 


Amount of Subcutaneous Fluids


 

This is something you need to discuss with your vet, to decide what is right for your cat. When you see recommendations regarding the amount of fluid that a cat needs each day, be aware that often this is total fluid amount. Cats obtain much of their daily fluid requirement from their food and water (most canned food is around 80% water).

 

Here are a few of the recommendations for subcutanous fluid amounts from veterinary specialists:

 

Authority

Source

Average cat

Frequency

Dr Katherine James

Veterinary Information Network

Not more than 100ml

Typically daily

Dr David Polzin

Staged management of chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats

75 - 100 ml

Every 1-3 days

Dr Catherine Langston

Managing fluid and electrolyte disorders in renal failure

75 - 100 ml

Daily or

every other day

Sparkes A et al.

ISFM consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of feline chronic kidney disease

75 - 150 ml

Every 1-3 days

International Cat Care

International Cat Care

around 60 - 100 ml

2-3 times weekly

 

Here is more information on those recommendations:

 

Dr Katherine James of the Veterinary Information Network believes that generally speaking, cats do not need more than 100ml of sub-Q fluids a day, though there are exceptions, for example if your cat is particularly large or particularly small (the latter may need less).

 

Staged management of chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats (2009) Polzin D Presentation to the 34th World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress states: "In patients with signs consistent with chronic or recurrent dehydration, long-term subcutaneous fluid therapy may be considered. Typically, a balanced electrolyte solution (e.g., lactated Ringer's solution) is administered subcutaneously every one to three days as needed. The volume administered depends upon patient size with a typical cat receiving about 75 to 100 ml per dose."

 

ISFM consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of feline chronic kidney disease (2016) Sparkes AH, Caney S, Chalhoub S, Elliott J, Finch N, Gajanayake I, Langston C, Lefebvre H, White J & Quimby J Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 18 pp219-239 state "repeated subcutaneous fluid therapy (75-150ml every 1-3 days) can be used on an outpatient basis or by owners at home to maintain hydration."

 

International Cat Care states "Generally around 10-20 ml/kg of fluid can be given at a single SQ injection site." Some people interpret this to mean it is safe to give 5-10 ml/lb to a cat, but the link is referring to how much to inject in one place, not how much to give generally, and goes on to say "around 60-100 ml for an average sized cat."

 

What do I think? Based on what I have seen over the years, the average 8-10lb (3.6-4.5kg) cat would usually be given around 100ml a day. Larger cats might need 125ml, or even occasionally 150ml for cats who weigh 15lb (6.8kg) or over, whilst smaller cats need smaller amounts, 50-75ml a day. Be cautious with cats with heart issues, who may have problems processing sub-Qs, and who may need smaller amounts, perhaps given more frequently, for example 50ml twice a day rather than 100ml once a day.  

 

Since cats vary in their individual needs, you should seek your vet's advice on how much to give your cat, and start off gradually, and aim for the lowest level that will comfortably maintain hydration. If you live in a hot humid area without air conditioning, your cat might need more fluid than a cat in a colder climate. If your cat has a bout of vomiting or diarrhoea or is not eating, more fluids might be required in the short term to offset the fluid lost as a result of the crisis. Cats who are diagnosed following a severe crash may possibly require more sub-Qs, but this is not always the case, particularly for cats whose crash is causes by acute kidney injury, who may need no sub-Qs at all once they have recovered.

 

When deciding on how much fluid to give, you need to monitor your cat for dehydration and check that the fluid is being properly absorbed. A pouch is normal, and it usually takes 6-8 hours for the fluids to be absorbed, though some cats take longer. Many people find the simplest way to monitor their cat's need for fluids is by means of a weighing scale: you can weigh your cat regularly and if his/her weight goes down, this may indicate dehydration; if the cat's weight increases, the cat may be retaining fluid and at risk of overhydration. Coco's Page has more information on how to do this.

 

If you have the level of sub-Qs right, your cat will usually no longer drink massive amounts of water, because s/he is not constantly bordering on dehydration.

 

If your cat's bloodwork worsens, this doesn't automatically mean that the fluid amount should be increased. Giving more than is needed to maintain hydration is a strain on the kidneys (see When to use subcutaneous fluids), can make a cat feel uncomfortable, and of course costs more.

 

If your cat's bloodwork improves, or your cat seems to stop absorbing the fluids, it may be that s/he needs fewer or no fluids. Ask your vet about reducing or stopping the fluids, but this should be done gradually so as to give your cat's damaged kidneys time to adjust. The same applies if your vet has prescribed fluids for a low numbers cat: ask about stopping fluids to see how your cat manages, but do it slowly.

 


If Your Vet Recommends Large Amounts of Fluid


 

Fluids are not a benign treatment and more is not always better; in fact, giving too much fluid can be dangerous. Unfortunately I have noticed that some vets recommend giving rather large amounts of fluid. In most cases this is not necessary, and in fact carries risks: it increases the sodium load on the kidneys, and in the worst case it may cause overhydration. Some vets claim that it is impossible to overhydrate a cat with sub-Qs, but if you give a 10 lb cat 300ml of fluids a day, that is the equivalent of giving a 150lb person 4.5 litres of water a day, far in excess of the amount most people (or cats) can process.

 

I have heard from a number of people who have learnt the hard way about the risks of overhydration, and some of their cats sadly died as a result. In Chronic kidney disease (2007), Dr DJ Polzin states "Chronic subcutaneous fluid therapy can result in fluid overload in some patients, particularly when fluid volumes in excess of those recommended here are used. We have seen several cats given large quantities of fluid (200 to 400 ml/day) present with severe dyspnea due to pleural effusion. This condition can usually be avoided by reducing the volume of fluids administered." He mentions that the presence of metabolic acidosis increases the risk of pulmonary oedema in cats receiving fluid therapy.

 

Don't panic over this but do keep an eye on your cat when administering sub-Qs, weigh him or her regularly, count respirations, and watch for the warning signs of overhydration and read about the treatment of overhydration here. See above for tips on gradually reducing the amount of fluid you give.

 

Coco's Page has information on calculating how much fluid is necessary, though please do not alter the amounts you give without your vet's knowledge and approval.

 


Frequency of Sub-Qs


 

This depends to a large extent upon your cat's individual needs. Here are some veterinary recommendations:

 

Staged management of chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats (2009) Polzin D Presentation to the 34th World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress states: "In patients with signs consistent with chronic or recurrent dehydration, long-term subcutaneous fluid therapy may be considered. Typically, a balanced electrolyte solution (e.g., lactated Ringer's solution) is administered subcutaneously every one to three days as needed. The volume administered depends upon patient size with a typical cat receiving about 75 to 100 ml per dose."

 

ISFM consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of feline chronic kidney disease (2016) Sparkes AH, Caney S, Chalhoub S, Elliott J, Finch N, Gajanayake I, Langston C, Lefebvre H, White J & Quimby J Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 18 pp219-239 state "repeated subcutaneous fluid therapy (75-150ml every 1-3 days) can be used on an outpatient basis or by owners at home to maintain hydration."

 

International Cat Care states "for most cats that require fluid supplementation, they are given between once a week and once a day (with 2-3 times weekly being most common)."

 

As you can see, the consensus seems to be that fluids are usually given every 1-3 days. I would say that the majority of cats on Tanya's CKD Support Group receive sub-Qs every day. However, some cats on the group only need fluids 2-3 times a week; whilst a small percentage, like Thomas, become dehydrated very quickly without twice daily fluids (these cats are often cats who have suffered a severe crash at diagnosis). Discuss your cat's particular requirements with your vet, and aim for a consistent, regular approach.

 

It is usually better to give smaller amounts more often, e.g. to give 100ml every day rather than 200ml every other day. If you think about it, this makes sense — if your goal is to drink eight glasses of water each day, it is better if you drink eight each day rather than sixteen on one day and nothing at all on the next day — the same principle applies to sub-Qs.

 

I don't really understand why vets sometimes recommend sub-Qs once a week. It seems too infrequent to make any real difference. However, it can certainly be worth giving sub-Qs as a one-off to a cat who develops dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea, or if you experience a heatwave and don't have air conditioning; but most CKD cats on sub-Qs will need fluids at least three times a week.

 

Every now and then, you may have to skip a sub-Q sesssion, perhaps because you are sick or your cat refuses to co-operate. Missing one session is not cause for concern with most cats, but aim for consistency overall.

 


Will My Cat Always Need Subcutaneous Fluids?


 

If you start fluids at the right time, i.e. only when they are necessary to prevent your cat from becoming dehydrated, which for most cats occurs once creatinine levels are consistently over 3.5-4 mg/dl (USA) or 300 -350 µmol/L (international), then yes, your cat will probably always need them. However, there are always exceptions. For example, some cats may only need fluids to help them after a crisis (such as when they have severe diarrhoea or vomiting which makes them dehydrated), particularly if they are young or if their bloodwork is normally reasonably good.

 

If you do ever try to decrease or stop sub-Qs, it is very important to do this slowly, because CKD kidneys cannot adjust to changes as easily as healthy kidneys.

 


How to Give Subcutaneous Fluids


 

There are two main ways of giving sub-Qs, either via a giving set or via syringe. Most people in the USA use the giving set method; people offered sub-Qs in the UK (very uncommon) tend to be offered the syringe method. For those who struggle with needles, another possibility is to use an implanted catheter.

 

Giving Set Method


The giving set method is similar in some ways to an IV drip, except that you are placing the fluid under the skin rather than into a vein. You are also giving a smaller amount of fluid more quickly. You will need fluids, needles and venosets (IV sets). You use the venoset to connect the bag of fluid to the needle which is then inserted under the skin. The fluid bag is hung high, so gravity makes the fluid drip through the venoset and the needle and into the cat.

 

There are links to videos showing how to use this method, and photos modelled by Thomas's friend, Purr Box, on the How to Give Subcutaneous Fluids with a Giving Set page.

 

There are more tips on how to prepare and give sub-Qs here.

 

Syringe Method


With this method, you also inject the fluid under the skin, but instead of using a venoset (a tube which carries the fluid from the fluid bag to the needle), you remove the fluid from the fluid bag with a syringe, then attach a needle to the syringe and inject the needle under the skin, before gently squeezing the syringe so the fluid goes into the cat. This method means it is easier to know how much fluid you are giving and is also usually quicker. If you use this method, you will need fluids, needles and syringes.

 

There are photos showing this method, modelled by Thomas, on the How to Give Subcutaneous Fluids with a Syringe page.

 

There are more tips on how to prepare and give sub-Qs here.

 


How to Cope with Giving Subcutaneous Fluids


 

If, like me, you have a needle phobia, you will be feeling sick at the mere idea. Yet I stuck a needle into Thomas twice a day for several months, and it honestly does get easier. I used to dread it in the early days, far more than Thomas did; yet soon it became just part of everyday life, like brushing teeth. We were used to it, he was used to it; it took just ten minutes a day to give him his fluids and his medications.

 

Survey of owner subcutaneous fluid practices in cats with chronic kidney disease (2018) Cooley CM, Quimby JM, Caney SMA & Sieberg LG Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 20(10) pp884-890 states "Overall, owners reported administering fluids as a relatively low-stress experience for both themselves and their cats. A large majority of owners (85%) said it was either an easy, somewhat easy/no stress or okay experience for them, and a large majority (89%) reported that the experience was easy/no stress, somewhat easy or okay experience for their cats."

 

If you are worried about hurting your cat, remember, you are doing this to help him or her. I'm really not in the business of torturing cats. See the photos here before you fear the worst. Cookie doesn't look traumatised to me! Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine has a video (Part 2) on how to give sub-Qs which states "This might be THE most important thing that you can do at home to help your cat." If fluids are necessary, they can make an amazing difference to how your cat feels — it is like watering a plant in a drought and watching it bloom again. Once you see the difference that fluids make, you should be able to find the strength from somewhere. During the last twenty years I have heard of literally thousands of people who have regularly given their cats fluids; and I can only recall one person who was unable to overcome her needle phobia (she did not even try to give sub-Qs). So read Sandi's story below, check out the tips on how to give them here, take a deep breath and give it a go. If you'd like to have your hand held while you get used to it, join Tanya's CKD Support Group.

 

Some people are put off the idea of giving sub-Qs because their vet charges them a ridiculous amount for their supplies. The most expensive I heard of was US79 for one bag of fluid! Quite outrageous when you know that people in the US and Canada people can buy supplies very cheaply, paying only US$30-80 for an entire case of twelve bags (and at the time this person was charged US$78, you could get an entire case for US$16). The Obtaining Supplies Cheaply page gives tips on where to find fluids and other sub-Q supplies at reasonable prices in the USA, UK and Canada.

 

If you absolutely cannot cope with giving sub-Qs to your cat, you should be able to take your cat to the vet to have it done. Make sure they use sharp needles, or buy some and take them with you for the vet tech or nurse to use if necessary.

 

Sandi and Maz - Learning to Cope with Fluids


Here Sandi describes how she overcame her needle phobia and successfully gave Maz his fluids before she lost him.

 

"I know that some of you are really nervous/uneasy about having to do SubQ's yourself, so I thought my story may help.

 

First, I have to say I am the world's biggest needlephobic person (don't ask what's it's like when I need blood taken!). So when Maz was diagnosed last October and I found out he had to be on Sub-Qs I cried for a day, out of fear of doing SubQ's and also because I thought I was losing Maz. Luckily a vet tech saw my tears and agreed to come to my house three times a week (I paid her $45 including supplies).

 

This went on for about six months. During that time though I would be the one to get Maz when she came over (he would always try and hide) and gently pet him while he was getting the fluids. I began to get used to seeing the needle go in and also through this group started learning a tremendous amount on making it more comfortable (warming etc). The tech started telling me I knew as much as she did about giving fluids and Maz would probably be more comfortable if I did it but I resisted, saying I just couldn't stick my baby boy. Well, in April she got a new job and there wasn't another vet tech who could come. So now, it would really be ALL UP TO ME! I was petrified but with the help of the tech, I just did what I had to do. I learned that heating the fluids made all the difference and that by giving Maz some treats, other than the first needle poke, he forgets all about the fluids and just likes getting treats (some Fancy Feast) and a lot of love. There are times he even purrs now!

 

I have to admit, I still don't like poking him (I take a minute or two to get myself psyched for it), then I gently let him know I'm going to give him his treatment, take him into the bathroom where his favorite towel and treats are waiting and go for it!

 

So please believe me when I say it's not as bad as it seems, read the posts on the group and the info on Helen's website and you will see in no time, you and your furbabies will be just fine!

 

Hope this helps!"

 


The Giftube and Other Subcutaneous Catheters


 

If you really cannot bear giving sub-Qs, or if your cat really fights them, you may want to consider whether to use an implantable tube. These products are implanted in the cat under anaesthetic, and thereafter the fluids are basically just poured in (though you should not give too much, of course).

 

It can be hard to get your vet to agree to you doing sub-Qs at home in the UK, but if your vet does agree, it is sometimes on the basis of using one of these products.

 

The original is called the Giftube (Greta Implantable Fluid Tube, named after the patient for whom it was invented). There is also a Subcutaneous Catheter Set available. Having one of these products fitted costs around US$200-300.

 

The infection rate for these products is over 10%, which I find worrying. Using them is also extremely expensive, because a bag of fluid can only be used for one sub-Q session before it is thrown away (because of the risk of infection); plus many cats have to have two or more tubes implanted each year because of problems with the previous tube necessitating its removal. This is usually because the cat's body considers the tube to be a foreign body and may form a kind of membrane around it, which can prevent the fluids entering the cat's body smoothly. In addition, many cats find the tube irritating and scratch at it constantly, so they often have to wear a bandage or little sweater to hold the tube in place.

 

Therefore I would strongly recommend using standard methods and only using these products as a last resort. If you do decide to use one, please ensure your vet knows what s/he is doing: some people have discovered after the tube has been implanted that their vet has never implanted one before and their cat has basically been a guinea pig; I'd prefer to know that beforehand and be sure that my vet could help me deal with any problems that might arise.

 

Subcutaneous fluid port-associated soft tissue sarcoma in a cat (2013) McLeland SM, Imhoff DJ, Thomas M, Powers BE & Quimby JM Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 15(10) pp917-920 reports on a case of cancer in a cat who had a fluid port for four years. The report concludes "Although the cat’s owners were pleased with the 4 years of quality of life provided by this device, this complication should be considered when a decision to place ports for long-term management of disease is made." As an aside, the cat in question was twenty years old and had had CKD for ten years, quite an achievement.

 

Hypodermoclysis: an alternative infusion technique (2001) Sasson M & Shvartzman P American Family Physician 64(9) pp1575-8 discusses the use of skin buttons in humans.

 

Mar Vista Vet has information about the Giftube, including a photo.

 

PractiVet the Giftube manufacturer's website.

 

Smith's Medical (SurgiVet) make a similar product called a Subcutaneous Catheter Set. It has a leaflet about it.


When NOT to Give Subcutaneous Fluids


 

Sub-Qs are not always appropriate and in fact in certain circumstances can do more harm than good. Do NOT give sub-cutaneous fluids to your cat if:

  1. Your cat is so severely dehydrated that your vet considers intravenous fluid therapy (IV) more appropriate. In certain circumstances IV is the only correct treatment. If your cat has high bloodwork levels (creatinine over 7 mg/dl or 627 µmol/L), s/he might benefit more from IV fluids initially, with sub-Qs provided once s/he returns home as needed.

  1. Your cat has a heart condition. Fluid therapy may still be possible but your vet must decide if it is appropriate for your cat, and determine the amounts and frequencies to be administered.

  1. Your vet has refused to agree to the procedure on other medical grounds.

  1. Fluids from the previous session have not yet been absorbed.

  1. Your cat is overhydrated. This may be obvious, or your cat may feel "squishy", the way water in a plastic bag feels. Squishiness sometimes happens if a little air gets in with the fluids, and is not normally a problem, but if it happens consistently, your cat may need less fluid. Other symptoms of overhydration may include sudden weight gain, coughing and nasal discharge. See Symptoms for more information. Overhydration may be associated with a heart condition, but contrary to what some vets claim it can still happen in a cat with a perfectly normal heart. It is a good idea to weigh your cat regularly, to check for sudden or continous weight gain which may give early warning of a problem.

  1. Processing the extra fluids in itself places an additional workload on the kidneys which can make the CKD progress faster; plus it can flush out certain nutrients, and giving fluids when they are not needed may increase blood pressure; so it is best not to begin fluids until the advantages are likely to outweigh the disadvantages. Dr Katherine James of the Veterinary Information Network believes that most CKD cats will benefit from sub-cutaneous therapy once creatinine levels are consistently over creatinine levels are consistently over 3.5-4.0 mg/dl (USA) or 300 -350 µmol/l (international). If your vet thinks your cat's CKD is less advanced than this, then it is probably safer to hold off on sub-Qs for the moment.

  1. My vet agreed to us doing fluids in part because she felt Thomas would not find them too distressing. You and your vet do need to take your cat's personality into account in deciding whether to go this route; but do not necessarily assume your cat cannot cope, many cats who ordinarily hate medication of any kind tolerate sub-Qs because they make them feel so much better. I would suggest trying them for a few weeks at least.

  1. Many cats appear happier (more active and alert, with a better appetite) after sub-Qs. However, some may become lethargic for an hour or so afterwards. This is probably nothing to worry about, but if it happens frequently it may be that your cat is not processing the fluid very well, so I would ask your vet to check your cat for possible heart problems or fluid retention.

 

Back to Page Index

 

This page last updated: 01 July 2020

 

Links on this page last checked: 01 July 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.

 

*****

Copyright © Tanya's Feline CKD Website 2000-2020. All rights reserved.

 

This site was created using Microsoft software, and therefore it is best viewed in Internet Explorer. I know it doesn't always display too well in other browsers, but I'm not an IT expert so I'm afraid I don't know how to change that. I would love it to display perfectly everywhere, but my focus is on making the information available. When I get time, I'll try to improve how it displays in other browsers.

 

This site is a labour of love, from which I do not make a penny. Please do not steal from me by taking credit for my work.

If you wish to link to this site, please feel free to do so. Please make it clear that this is a link and not your own work. I would appreciate being informed of your link.