My cat's subq fluids leak after injection. What am I doing wrong?

This isn't really something we monitor to be honest, so I don't have a good number for you. If he's not drinking much water or eating very wet food, he likely is getting slowly dehydrated if he's getting 200ml water subcutaneous and urinating that 200ml out, since he will lose water through his feces, breathing, skin, etc. I'd recommend letting his vet know what you're seeing, checking in on his kidney values, and consider increasing his fluid levels slightly. However, I wouldn't do this without guidance from his vet, because there are other issues he could have at the same time that would require taking a more moderated approach to the fluid amounts.

A small amount of bloody water is normal if you hit a small capillary vessel with your needle. A couple drops that stops with some pressure is totally normal and not concerning at all. Fluid therapy is frequently very helpful for extended both life quantity and quality in cats, so it's probably necessary but you can talk to your vet if you want to clarify that.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Your vet is correct in saying that the subcutaneous fluids given to animals are the same as those given to humans. However, due to their pH, certain fluids can burn while being given subcutaneously as they react with the normal fluids in the body. I recommend asking your vet what type of fluids they recommend, what amount your cat needs, and to show you how to administer them. I sometimes recommend a numbing cream to facilitate the administration, only if there are no underlying medical conditions. If your cat has liver issues, fluids may help correct some of the symptoms, but other issues such as adequate nutrition need to be taken into account as well. I am happy to answer any other questions you may have!

I don't recommend giving them water via oral syringe because they can choke on it. Cats don't like having anything syringed in their mouth! You can give added water to food, but it's not enough. Sub Q fluids are recommended for any cat with CKD. As their kidney function falters, the kidneys must produce more urine in order to eliminate the waste products. Cats with kidney disease cannot consume adequate water to meet the needs of their compromised kidneys. The waste products begin to build up in the bloodstream, which ultimately cause affected cats to feel sick. These fluids produce extra urine, thus helping flush out the waste products. The extra fluid intake helps with the kidney disease.

I'm not sure what fluid you are draining but I recommend just putting the needle under the skin into the pocket and gently pulling back to remove the discharge. It won't cause much discomfort. You should have someone hold him steady when you do this. Personally I recommend you take your cat back to the veterinary office to see if one of the technicians can watch you and help you do this so you can become confident. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your cat.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If you have a lump where you gave fluids under the skin, it is possible there is an infection present if it is sore. A hernia is a break in the body wall, so the muscle would have to be torn open, this is exceedingly unlikely with a subcutaneous injection, even if the injection was not given properly. Without seeing Anano I cannot say if the lump is a hernia (from a cause other than the injection), or if it is an abscess (infected fluid filled area), or if it is just the fluid accumulating before being absorbed into the body. If it is painful at all, and if he is vomiting or has a fever, then he needs to be seen by a vet right away. Also, it sounds like he might need some IV fluids instead of the SQ fluids, as they sound like they aren't absorbing. Best of luck with Anano, I hope he feeds better soon.

SQ fluids must be given with a needle under the skin and although it might look brutal to you it is actually much easier on the cat than try to force her this quantity of water orally, which is virtually impossible.