Quick Question on Sub Q fluids...

Slapdash · Apr 13, 2011

We just found out that one of my girls Zoey has chronic kidney disease and I stopped by the vet today to get sub q fluids but he wasn't in , and the vet tech gave me 22 gauge needles, are they too large? I've found one site that says 21-25 and another that says 25-27? I have an appointment Sunday and could get smaller ones then but are these ok until then? Or I could try to get them tomorrow, but she really needs help asap???

victoria · Apr 13, 2011

I think I remember Shelagh saying that the best sizes for a rat are 21-23... if I'm not mistaken the higher the number, the smaller the needle. Good luck :hugs:

Godmother · Apr 13, 2011

Yes, a higher number is better (less painful). for tonight, if your rat is dehydrated and unable to take fluids orally, you might be better to go ahead with what you have. Dehydration is uncomfortable and can be dangerous.

Ask lilspaz68 or SQ also, who have done this procedure often.

lj · Apr 13, 2011

Mine are 23. It doesn't seem to bug them too much.

Slapdash · Apr 13, 2011

Thanks everyone! Just finished the fluids, she did great :joy: I'm actually going to try to get in to the vet on Saturday instead and will ask him for the smaller needles then.

SQ · Apr 13, 2011

I use a 25 gauge needle to withdraw the fluid from the bag.
Then I remove the needle from the syringe and attach a 27 gauge butterfly needle (terumo surflo winged infusion set) to the syringe.
Then I tent the skin and inject the fluid using the 27 gauge needle.

I would use a 25 gauge needle if I had to, but 27 gauge is better.
22 gauge is much too large imo so I would suggest getting larger gauge needles as soon as possible.

jorats · Apr 14, 2011

I used 22 on Rory, and even though he was dying, he reacted badly to the p.rick of the needle. I'd go even smaller... definitely 25.

lilspaz68 · Apr 14, 2011

I have used 25 guage and 23 guage...my preference for minimal pain is 25, but if you need to get a lot of fluids fast into a wiggling rat, the 23 guage has a bigger opening and you can get it all in faster.