port for underskin daily fluids

[shermanandamy]

we are just starting daily underskin injections of fluids for renal disease in our 5 lb. Maltese. It is painful (for her and for us) to administer this injection, and when we asked our vet about putting in a port surgically so that she doesn't have to hurt each time this is done, we were told that such ports don't work on small dogs. Would like feeback from other owners as well as vets and if not workable, would like to understand why

[shermanandamy]

thanks so much for this encouragement and tip.  It's already getting easier; still hurts (me, not so much her anymore).....

[LoveMyBostons]

I did subQ fluids for my dog every other day for about 6 months. At first, it was horrible. I cried and was so hesitant about placing the needle. I was sure I was hurting him. After a while you get used to it, I promise.

Some tips I was given were to pull the skin up into a tent and stick the needle into the middle of the tent.

Also, if the fluid isn't dripping fast enough, try twisting the needle just a bit (while pulling the skin up ever so slightly) until the fluid flows freely/fast. This makes the process go faster.

I wish you good luck wih this!

[shermanandamy]

thanks so much for taking the time to address our questions so thoroughly.  I will look into ordering the smaller needles, etc.

[Scoobstersmom]

Shermanandamy, I don't think a port would work unless you were doing IV fluids and it is unlikely that you would be able to administer them at home anyway.  Sub q fluids flow in right under the skin, usually only take a few minutes for the amount of fluids you would be administering for a 5 pound dog, and generally aren't painful.  We've been doing fluids for our yorkie for months and have it down to an easy system.  You might try warming the fluids in a bowl of hot water - just to skin temperature - you can test the fluid on your wrist as you would a baby bottle - to make it a little more comfortable.  You can also order small, thin gauge and thin walled needles from thriving pets.com cheaply.  The brand is terumo.  The stick is less painful than with the harpoons from the vets office, and the fluids flow faster so you'd likely finish the 50-100 ml your dog probably needs in about five minutes.  The way I look at it, it is 5-10 minutes of possibly slight discomfort in exchange for more than 23 hours and 45 minutes of my dog feeling good.  Well worth it.

Diana and the Scoobster