From:
katharine
Date: 2001-08-14 19:51:00 UTC
Subject: Re: Mikayla - kidney problems?
Kym wrote:
< ....so my only option is to give fluids at 6:00
p.m. and
then again at bedtime, which is always past
midnight - sometimes
closer to 2 am - is this OK?<
Well, I'm not vet but, in my opinion, it would be
better if they're roughly 12 hours apart. Why do
you need help? Are you having trouble holding her
and getting the needle in? Been there, done that.
I have found that it is much easier if you can get
them eating something and then they don't notice
the needle. Giving fluids (or shots) to Champ was
always much easier if he was eating his soup.
When he didn't want to eat, we had a little battle
over the needle but I quickly mastered that also.
It's just not as pleasant for them (or you). When
they're aware of what you're doing, you have to
learn to be quick. Once the needle is in, you
have to control the ferret and the needle or it
will come out. At this point, you need at least 3
hands but somehow it works with 2.
I don't know how you are administering fluids. I
draw fluids from the bag into a syringe (using a
new sterile needle each time) and administer the
fluids from the syringe. That's the only way I am
able to measure what I am using.
If she still appears to have sunken eyes or other
signs of dehydration, you may need to increase her
fluids. I judge by how long it takes for the big
lump to dissipate. If it goes down very quickly,
I increase fluids a little the next time. If it
stays lumped up for a while, I figure they're
getting enough. Not very scientific but I'm not
so good with the skin turgor test.
Good luck.
Katharine