Overview
- 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.
Stevens Company
The Stevens Company has 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$7.
They also sell size 18 and size 19 winged infusion sets.
Medical Mart
Medical Mart has branches throughout Canada. Also a retail store in Mississauga where you can purchase supplies from stock:
550 Matheson Blvd W, Mississauga, ON, L5R 4B8
Tel: 905-624-2011 or 1-800-379-4780 or store@medimart.com
Prices are cheaper from their warehouse nearby but you have to order in advance.
Prices are not given on the website, but here are prices people have paid:
| Item | Quantity | Price in CAN$ | Date |
| 1000ml lactated ringers solution | 1 | 4.00 – 5.95 | 2016 12 |
| Needles in various sizes | 100 | 11.00 | 2016 12 |
| Administration sets | 1 | 4.95 | 2016 12 |
500ml and 250ml bags are also available.
Pets Drug Mart
| Item | Quantity | Price in CAN$ | Date |
| 1000ml lactated ringers solution | 1 | 7.25 | 2020 09 |
| Needles various sizes | 100 | 8.55 | 2020 09 |
| Administration sets 20 drops/ml* | 1 | 4.55 | 2020 09 |
| Winged infusion sets, size 21 or 23 | 1 | 1.69 | 2020 09 |
| Winged infusion sets, size 21 or 23 | 50 | 41.65 | 2020 09 |
*This speed is probably too slow for most cats.
Shipping costs vary, one person paid CAN$6 to Vancouver.
They also sell Normosol-R and PlasmaLyte A fluids.
Also sell other medications, see below.
Stat Health Care
A wholesale distributor in Calgary that only sells within Alberta.
You have to contact them for prices.
The phone number is 403-297-0700.
Marchese Medical Supplies
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.
Global Pet Foods
Apparently sell a variety of foods, including some therapeutic diets, at reasonable prices, though choices and prices vary from store to store.
My Vet Store
My Vet Store sells therapeutic kidney diets for around $2 a can.
Medications and Other Supplies
Pets Drug Mart
Pets Drug Mart 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.
Walmart
Walmart sells a number of generic medications cheaply, such as lactulose or benazepril.
Other Items
Please also see the following pages:
- Phosphorus Binders — for phosphorus binders.
- Holistic Treatments — for holistic supplies.
- Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents — for Aranesp, Eprex or NeoRecormon.
- Appetite Loss, Nausea and Vomiting — for treatments for excess stomach acid, vomiting and nausea, such as Pepcid AC or ondansetron.
- Medicating Your Cat — for items to help make pilling less stressful for you both, such as Pill Pockets and gelcaps.
This page last updated: 31 October 2020
Links on this page last checked: 05 September 2020