Did she always have them or did they start after something/some time? Do antihistamines clear the problem?
Giving Sub Q fluids at home
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Anyone give their B sub q fluids at home and can give me some tips and tricks? Lenny is in acute renal failure and the vet suggested flushing him with sub q fluids over the next 2 weeks to see if we can get him back to just the chronic kidney failure that we have been dealing with over the last couple years.
I've got the Lactated Ringers, line and needles on order and would welcome any tips or encouragement on doing this at home myself. I've watched a few youtube videos as well as gotten instructions from the vet, but nothing like some first hand advice from fellow basenji owners to ease my nerves......
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A lot depends on Lenny, how cooperative he is and how sensitive. I had difficulty with Perry when he needed them. Looks easy at the vet, and the first day was no problem. Second day he saw me coming and was having none of it. Might have been easier if I had had help, and I know some are just fine with it, but he was always a wimp about anything that was uncomfortable. I've done it with cats with success, but put a towel around them to stave off claws and teeth. I just used saline in a syringe at several locations. Tent the skin, inject beneath it. You might inquire about IV fluids. Some vets will send you home with them, some want it done at the clinic.
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Tayda_Lenny, I have given fluids many, many times over the years to different of my older kids. I use a grooming table with the grooming arm/noose. It is not difficult once you get the hang of it... Insert the needle around the withers of Lenny.. that is the area just behind the base of the neck. Lift up the skin and insert the needle under the pinched area. Sorry that I don't have a picture handy. Using the grooming table and grooming arm/noose, you don't need help in 99% of the cases. but you do need to string him up to help him stand straight. If you have help, have someone hold his head. Once the needle is in (and be careful not to push the needle through to the other side, been there, done that) open the valve for the fluid to flow. If it seems to slow (and Vets will most likely disagree with me on this) you can squeeze the fluid bag and it will flow more freely. The fluid will pocket under the skin so don't be concerned about the pockets of fluids, this is normal. Note that the fluids are cold so if you have a sweater or jacket for Lenny, you should put that on him when you are done with the treatment. I am surprised that you have to order the lines/needles? My Vets always supplied them for me. Typical needle is a 1" #18 gage if I am remembering right, been a while. The best trick is the grooming table and the grooming arm/grooming noose. If you don't have them, until you do have the Vet do the fluids (with you there to watch if you can). You can call me anytime... find my number on my website
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Hello Lennys mom.
Unless the ringers are being overnighted I would get them from a pharmacy if possible. Size 18 needle is standard but get a 20 as well in case he becomes lethargic at some point and you want the flow to go faster. Room or body temp lactated ringers are so much more comfortable. I literally put the bag against my body for ten minutes.My pup has since passed and he would become aggressive no matter how careful I was so you might need to muzzle first.
If you have never done this before, see if you can have a vet show you how. If COVID means you can’t go in, ask that they video it on your phone or theirs.
lots of cookies nearby if possible, one cookie first. Liquid CBD by mouth helps. I like Treatables - oil dropper CBD. I found This essential to use in addition to vet meds for discomfort. If pup has music they know put that on.
It’s hard to do alone, I know. Even if someone can hold them for you it will help you but if you think they can’t do it, skip it and do it alone. First attempt will likely fail, it’s ok.
Remember, It’s exactly like giving a shot - swift and clean. You can do this.-
Try to keep bag and tube etc out of sight of pup, cover with something
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Hang ringers bag on a tall standing lamp or maybe in a hanger in a closet. Needs to be elevated pretty high.
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hold standing pup between your knees at their waist (not their chest as they can’t breathe) and you stand and bend over them,
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Hold prepped ringer tube w needle in your teeth. You might turn it on first and hold bended tube in your mouth to prevent it from running all over.
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one hand hold collar (in right hand if you are right handed),
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left hand swiftly tent loose neck skin in a triangle,
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use right hand to quickly swipe needle and tube from your mouth. Place needle in center of triangle but don’t go out other side.
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Quickly turn on drip so flow starts if you did not have it turned on before. They will kick and make a big deal. Again, It’s exactly like giving a shot - swift and clean.
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Holding pup while they have a tantrum is stressful but do your best to hold needle in. Lots of soothing talk the whole time throughout even if they get loud. Really it is the cool water that is surprising as the needle prick is the only quick pain part.
If they are super aggressive it’s time to just have a vet do it once and make this the last time. This allows them to feel hydrated and less toxic in their last time before you put them at peace. I do not say easily. It was very hard for me to make my final decision and I so regret not doing it days sooner and before things got desperate.
You have Been fighting this along time together. It’s exhausting for your pup too.
Keep in mind there is quality of time and there is quantity of time. They are not the same.We all will pass but having a plan in place helps you from having to make emergency arrangements and getting even more upset in front of you pup.
Have stronger pain meds at the ready as per a vets guidance in case a pain spike. And arrange that whenever the day comes, how and when you will go about alleviating their pain once and for all. Whether a vet that will come to your home (now w shelter in place - maybe your backyard or a park). I had a lovely on call vet arranged in advance. All I had to do was call and give my name and they came as soon as they could. At that point it is never soon enough.
These are all ideas for a plan but do make one, it will empower you.
I hope this helps. - Your fellow Basenji pup mother
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First things first...sending tons of virtual hugs for you and Lenny. Now for the "fun" part. You can do this and it will be far less stressful coming from someone Lenny knows loves him.
If you don't have a grooming table, find a comfy spot for both of you. I put a cozy blanket over the guest bed and tied the leash to the bedpost. Use a muzzle. Follow vet instructions as reviewed above.
My boy "Rock'n Rowdy Rascal of Thor" went through this in 2016. He growled, but had never bitten anyone. The muzzle was a preventative measure. Once it went on, he relented and snuggled up to whoever was treating him. Rascal crossed the bridge in 2017. By the time we got the Cushing and cancer diagnosis he had deteriorated too far for treatment.
You are 2 years in and that lends hope. We are here anytime you need to a shoulder. Your Basenji family in this forum is a treasure of knowledge. They know more than many vets.
Prayers lifting...
Cynthia
