I've switched Pinniped's daily fluids from subcutaneous to oral. I had a hard time getting the full 30ml into her the first few days. It took more sittings than I had time for so she got needled every couple of days. But Pinni has caught on. She's either developed a taste for lactated ringer's solution, or she's figured out that if she drinks what I give her, she doesn't get poked. We have a new routine in place of the quick (but stressful) two-person evening shot. I draw the fluids in the morning, squirt it into a clean baby food jar and feed it to her throughout the day using the 3ml syringe. Pinni goes through 10-12ml at a sitting; if I'm lucky I can finish off the fluids in two sittings. When it's time for evening meds and fluids I announce: I'm off to liquify the pig.
Pinni's pretty funny. She pulls the syringe like I'm not giving it to her fast enough. But I don't want to plunge the syringe too fast - I'd hate to choke her. I can tell Pinni's had enough when she either starts dribbling fluids or when she grabs for the syringe from the side instead of straight on. I wish all feedings and medicating were this easy. Down the hatch!
Good girl, Pinni. Oral fluids may interrupt my daily schedule than administering a subcue, but it makes everyone much happier. If she keeps this up, I may have to return my collection of butterfly needles. Oh, joy!
Yay Pinni! Happy to hear of some improvement :)
ReplyDeleteGlad that you and Pinni no longer have to suffer through subcues.. oral fluids are definitely preferable to daily injections!
ReplyDelete