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Vic update
I couldn't answer all the kind comments about Vic, but here's an update.
At first things didn't look good. We've never been able to give him pills and even liquid antibiotic is hard, so we were crushing the pills into his food. He ate a few doses but then refused to after a couple of days. We decided to give up on the pills. Antibiotics only help in some cases, they don't even know why they do, and we thought they were making him nauseous so we're just feeding him tuna which he likes. He's eating that and perking up a lot. He also has plenty of water and K/D dry food available as usual but I don't think he's eating the dry food.
Anyway, he's looking a lot better, more cheerful and like his old self. He was spending all his time outside but he's coming in again and today stayed inside on a snuggler which we're taking as an encouraging sign as he hides outside when unwell. He's here now and has just had some tuna.
Greg just said he's in the latest cat play box. :-D [goes and gets photos, including one with an interested Ashley]
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I'm glad he's doing better.
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Good luck!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4Ta537YEOU
Subcutaneous Hydration
This is a simple procedure that alleviates the dehydration that occurs in any disease, especially when a cat is old. Kidney disease is one of them.
A subcutaneous setup looks exactly like an intravenous setup, but the fluid goes into a fold of skin instead of a vein. A plain saline solution called Ringer's Lactate (Lactated Ringers's) is dribbled under the skin by means of a small needle. A cat kidney patient will need from 100 milliliters to 200, once a week to twice a day depending on how bad the kidneys are.
The difference is amazing.
1. The fluid bag can be suspended on a plain metal hanger over the door. It should be about three or feet above the cat.
2. Practice with the equipment, manipulate the flow valve, and practice making a tent of the fur on the shoulder of the cat. Just pull it up like a loose pinch.
3. Heat the fluids in a sink of warm water—include the lube and needle.
4. Talk to your cat about what you're doing and how much better he'll feel.
5. Use and 18 or 20 gauge needle.
6. The needle is inserted in the scruff or just behind and to the side of shoulder. NEVER insert the needle near the spine. Cat's skin if very loose and supple. The tent of skin you make should be from 1 ½ to 2 inches. Insert the needle in the middle of the tent, pushing firmly up. (Cats have very tough skin, so it may take a bit of effort.)
7. When the first half of the needle is inserted, release the fluid flow valve on the tubing. Move the valve along the tube a bit and pinch out the crimp. Look at the chamber below the bag to make sure the fluid is flowing in drips. After the fluid is flowing freely through the tube and into the cat. Insert the needle the rest of the way.
8. Allow the amount of fluid the cat needs to enter the cat.
9. To end, turn off the flow valve on the tube. Pinch the area where the needle is inserted and pull out the needle. Continue to pinch the area gently for a few seconds, so the fluid will not leak out. Pet your cat and praise him.
10. Store the fluids out of the way. Loop the tubing over the bag. Be sure the flow valve is closed.
At first it's better to have someone help you keep the cat still. They catch on about getting the fluids about the third time. Be patient with the cat and with yourself.
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]Edit] Though Greg's wondering whether it's worth buying from the US, though I cringe at what the freight would be. What was your supplier?
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I hope this helps.
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<3 Vic *hugs*
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Hugs for you and a gentle pat for Vic!xxx
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*Hugs*
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