Subcutaneous therapy is one of the most important aspects of taking care of a dog in kidney failure. Also called sub-q therapy, subcutaneous therapy is similar to intravenous catheterization; however, instead of receiving fluids in a vein, the dog receives the fluids under its skin. Owners typically perform this therapy at home and dogs normally tolerate the process quite well. Giving your dog with kidney failure sub-q fluids is one of the best things you can do to keep it alive and well.
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The Facts
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Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys are unable to remove waste products from the blood, according to Paw Prints and Purrs, Inc. Kidney failure typically occurs in older dogs and the most common symptoms are excessive amounts of urine output, breath that smells like urine, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. Along with sub-q therapy, other treatments for kidney failure may include special diets and medication.
The Environment in Which the Fluids are Given
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Subcutaneous therapy is typically administered at home for a few reasons. Dogs are more comfortable and less stressed at home than at a veterinary office. When a dog is sick, you want to do all you can to reduce its stress levels, therefore, many vets recommend owners giving fluids at their homes. In addition, it is typically more cost effective to administer fluids at home--the owner only needs to pay for the fluid bags, the needles and lines, instead of an office fee, as well. However, if the owner cannot administer the fluids, due to the dog's tolerance level or the owner's refusal, the veterinarian can also give them.
Administration
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The fluids are given under the skin in the space between the dog's body and its skin. The owner should lift up the skin in between the dog's shoulder blades, until he creates what looks like a tent or triangle. The owner should be able to feel a space between the skin that is lifted and the dog's body. Insert the needle into that space until it just pops in---if you push the needle too far, it will poke all the way through the skin and out of the dog. Engage the fluid line so that is allows the fluids to come through into the dog. If the fluids aren't releasing, try inserting the needle again through another spot in the same area.
How Subcutaneous Therapy Works
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To some, it is ironic that a dog in kidney failure needs to receive more fluids, as most drink and urinate excessively. Even though the dog may drink a lot, it is unlikely that it is drinking enough to replace all that is lost in the urine, states the Dog Illnesses and Symptoms website. In addition, the fluids also replace electrolytes and other nutrients that are lost and help to restart the kidneys once their function fails.
Fluid Dosage
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Every dog is different in the amount of fluid it requires. Some dogs only need sub-q therapy once a week, while others need it once a day. In addition, the amount of fluids given each time depends upon the dog's weight. If the patient doesn't receive enough fluids, they can't help the kidneys as much as is possible and if the dog receives too much, it can actually cause severe damage. Most dogs require sub-q therapy for the remainder of their lives.
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