100 ccs

Another change we’re making, with regards to Phineas: more fluids, more often.

Previously, I was giving Phineas 40 ccs of fluid, twice a week. With our new vet, we were told he looked really dehydrated… and asked us to increase the injections to 100 ccs, three times a week.

The injections are challenging to me to begin with. So hearing we needed to do more, and more often, wasn’t great news. One of the logistical challenges to me was figuring out how I could deliver 100 ccs, when I was used to just delivery 40 ccs (and one syringe only can take 60 ccs).

I now know more about needles and syringes than I really care to know. I’m learning about slip tips vs Luer locks. Blegh.

The approach I’ve taken: loading up two syringes, with 50 ccs each.

The process involves me bringing Phineas to the kitchen, setting him on a towel, and then getting him comfortable (while I wrap the towel around his face/neck). I use my left hand to kind of hold the towel around him like a barber would, and pull him close to the edge of the counter, against my belly.

I tent a bit of skin behind the shoulder blades with my left hand, and insert the infusion set with my right hand (which is already connected to the first syringe). Once we get through the first syringe, I hold the infusion set with my left hand, unscrew the syringe with my right hand… and screw in the second syringe.

I wasn’t sure I could do this, but so far it’s worked our fairly well. This process ensures the infusion stays in place (and poor Phineas only needs to get jabbed once during the whole process).

For the most part, it’s been ok. It’s a lot more fluid each time, but Phineas doesn’t seem overly uncomfortable. I take him back to the litter box after the injections, and I serve up his breakfast greens soon after. He’s usually out by his food, most days.

I’m really someone who shies away from needles. So this whole process is incredibly challenging, but… when I stop to think about it, I’m sure it’s much more challenging for Phineas. And it’s something he needs, so it just needs to get done.

Hopefully, the increased fluids and the increased frequency will help. Here’s hoping.

Related:
Critical Care
Weighing Phineas
Giving Phineas Subcutaneous Fluids
Phineas is Struggling