Message Number: SG8418 | New FHL Archives Search
From: kazpat1@juno.com
Date: 2004-03-31 03:54:34 UTC
Subject: Re: [ferrethealth] Tips on giving Sub-Q
To: ferrethealth@smartgroups.com
Message-Id: <20040330.195443.26015.107991@webmail03.lax.untd.com>

If he loves ferretone or something similar it is actually pretty easy.
Distract ferret with something he loves to lick up ( mine will go for the ferretone on a plate), ahead of time I prepare the syringe with the fluid and warm it just a few seconds in the microwave ( without needle ) and test it. Then put the needle back on, get ready to scruff ferret slightly while he is preoccupied. The fur I pinched up between my fingers ( usually shoulder blade area) is where I put the needle ( a 18 or 20 guage works best for me) and then put needle in. This is the hard part because ferret skin can be tough, once in, slowly put in the fluid. A little may leak out after, but the rest will get absorbed. The main thing is to try to do it yourself once while being instructed. It is the first getting needle into the skin part that is unsettling to some, and sometimes hard because ferret may jump or move. Once you get that down, you will be fine. It does take some practice and I think you will be suprised how easy it is, especially in a sick or dehydrated animal.
There is an excellent step by step pictoral instructions linked to on the ferret central site
http://home.att.net/~The_Ferrets/subq/subqindex.html

patty

-- lunawolf3@comcast.net wrote:
Hello All,
I am bringing Ferris in tomorrow for instrux on giving him sub-q fluids. Does anyone have wonderful suggestions, tried & true tips for doing this? My first time :)
Thanks
Mary Ann

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