And thank you to everyone who stopped by yesterday to offer purrs, hugs, and encouragement!
I posted on the kidney disease support group last night to see if any of the blind/vision impaired members had any ideas on how I could give Jewel the sub-q fluids. There were a couple of suggestions that were particularly helpful.
Someone said that they stick the kitty completely by feel, which is going to be how I have to do it, too. It would be dangerous for me to be one inch away from Jewel with a needle right by my eye!
Someone suggested putting little pieces of colored tape where the lines on the bag are to make for better contrast. I thought that was a good idea. I just need to figure out where I can get such tape. Others said that after a while, they could tell how much liquid had gone in by how the bag felt. Someone else suggested putting the doses in syringes instead of using the bag. So hopefully one of these will be good enough for me to use the little vision I do have to at least get close to the right amount of fluids into her. I am still quite anxious about it, though.
I wonder how I will get her to sit still.
You might be able to get colored tape at a crafts store, or even a Home Depot (I know there are different colored masking tapes).
ReplyDeleteFor keeping Jewel still, I have only one suggestion: learn how to be still yourself. Because she feels your energy, and if you are stressed out and nervous, she will be too. If you handle her calmly and with control, it will do a lot to keep her calm too. We kitties are emotional sponges.
Sweet girl, we're here to add our purrs for you to feel better.
ReplyDeleteWhen our Inigo was sick we found it better to take him to the vet to get it done - the vet was close and they didn't charge us thank goodness. I'm sending some more purrs to you as well.
We're glad to hear that the CRF group was able to give you ideas. They're always very helpful and quick with answers.
ReplyDeleteThe hardware store would have colors of tape. How many colors do you need? Electrical tape comes in a rainbow of colors. If you just need two colors, masking tape comes in blue (for painting) and white. And if you needed additional colors, you could color the white tape with a marking pen.
We are purring for Jewel and you, too.
The CRF group is a wonderful group and we're glad you posted there. When the mom had a kitty with CRF, she found that group very helpful and supportive. We hope some of those tips work for you. Maybe instead of color tape, you could use colored markers?
ReplyDeleteI am glad you have received some good advice. Sending purrs and hugs from across the pond! xox
ReplyDeleteWe are glad too, that you have gotten some good advice. I sure would also ask the vet how much if anything they would charge to do the fluids for you. It only takes ten minutes or so and shouldn't cost that much. Are you far from the vet??
ReplyDeleteTake care.
I am sure you can do it! Hopefully Jewel cooperates :) my best thought would be to ask your vet to supply you with individual syringes of the fluids to give for each time you need to give her some.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you have been given advice and suggestions. Purrs to you and Jewel.
ReplyDeleteI am sure glad some advice is flowing your way. Purrs to dear Jewel.
ReplyDeleteDepending upon how much tape you need, maybe band-aids would work better. They are available in all kinds of colors and sizes.
ReplyDeleteAlso, adhesive tape comes in all different widths and textures. That might work better.
We kinda suspect different widths or textures would help as much or more than different colors, especially if you are working by feel.