Gypsy has had enough with the fluids.

OMG Dawn I'm so sorry. Our hearts go out to you and Gypsy.

I faced an almost identical situation with old Jake, poor little guy had put up with so much for so long, then one day he decided enough was enough. When all was said and done, my heart was broken but my conscience was clear... looking back that's all I could've hoped for.

Our thought are with you.


-Mark, Jake and Brandy
 
Dawn-

I'm thinking about the three of you, too. I applaud you for listening to and honoring Gypsy, but also can't blame you for trying to find another avenue / approach.

I gave my cat fluids for two years, so I certainly understand the scar tissue issue. However, I warmed the l. ringer bags under warm water in the sink; and I really had the impression that Cleo relaxed and enjoyed the process of getting the fluids. Is there any possibility that Gypsy is picking up on stress from Stan and you in the process ; or remembering an unpleasant needle prick ? Part of me wonders whether you might find another assistant locally, such as a vet tech who could stop by on the way to work, for example. Please don't take offense at any of these rhetorical thoughts / questions. You do know Gypsy better than anyone else after all.

Hugs to you.
 
Katherine said:
Dawn-

I'm thinking about the three of you, too. I applaud you for listening to and honoring Gypsy, but also can't blame you for trying to find another avenue / approach.

I gave my cat fluids for two years, so I certainly understand the scar tissue issue. However, I warmed the l. ringer bags under warm water in the sink; and I really had the impression that Cleo relaxed and enjoyed the process of getting the fluids. Is there any possibility that Gypsy is picking up on stress from Stan and you in the process ; or remembering an unpleasant needle prick ? Part of me wonders whether you might find another assistant locally, such as a vet tech who could stop by on the way to work, for example. Please don't take offense at any of these rhetorical thoughts / questions. You do know Gypsy better than anyone else after all.

Hugs to you.
Click to expand...

I don't have any experience with giving fluids, but Katherine's post gave me an idea. Is it at all possible to give her something like a stuffed Kong when she's getting fluids, to distract her from the needle prick and the whole process? What about something like a Thundershirt or any snug fitting t-shirt to relax her nerves?
 
Glad that it is as simple as Dr. Bruce being away and someone inexperienced is deferring to his experience and filling in until he is back.

I hope that he is back soonest, Dawn.

How is it going today?


Kate
 
Katherine, Gypsy may have been picking up on Stan's nerves on Sunday since she snapped at him Saturday. His dog has bitten him several times and they were very bad bites. I don't get nervous, I talk to her and give her treats during the process to keep her calm. The problem was she was snapping as soon as Stan got down to start, he didn't even have the needle in. I felt she was saying not today I have had enough! I do have a vet tech coming while Stan is away and we will see how she does tomorrow when we do fluids again, She was given enough at the vets to hold her over until tomorrow. We also warm the fluids a bit. I learned that trick on K9kidneys, you're right it does help some. Katherine I would never take offense to anyone who is trying to offer suggestions to help my girl. Sometimes I feel bad when I have to tell many of you I have tried some of your suggestions already.


Melissa as you may have read above we already give her treats during the process.. I don't think we could get the needle in to give fluids with the Thundershirt on, it is not an IV in the leg these fluids are given Sub Q (under the skin) in different areas of her back. Similar to what a camel would look like and than the body absorbs the fluids.

Thank you both for the suggestions.
 
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dawns2shelties said:
Katherine, Gypsy may have been picking up on Stan's nerves on Sunday since she snapped at him Saturday. His dog has bitten him several times and they were very bad bites. I don't get nervous, I talk to her and give her treats during the process to keep her calm. The problem was she was snapping as soon as Stan got down to start, he didn't even have the needle in. I felt she was saying not today I have had enough! I do have a vet tech coming while Stan is away and we will see how she does tomorrow when we do fluids again, She was given enough at the vets to hold her over until tomorrow. We also warm the fluids a bit. I learned that trick on K9kidneys, you're right it does help some. Katherine I would never take offense to anyone who is trying to offer suggestions to help my girl. Sometimes I feel bad when I have to tell many of you I have tried some of your suggestions already.


Melissa as you may have read above we already give her treats during the process.. I don't think we could get the needle in to give fluids with the Thundershirt on, it is not an IV in the leg these fluids are given Sub Q (under the skin) in different areas of her back. Similar to what a camel would look like and than the body absorbs the fluids.

Thank you both for the suggestions.
Click to expand...

I'm glad you've got an opportunity to change things up a bit with the vet tech coming. If you've got a second place in the house where you can set up the fluids, you might even consider changing location. Keeping fingers crossed for a better experience.
 
What can we say, that has'nt already been said,
just that we are so terribly sad for you and Gypsy.
Having sent 2 of my shelties to the bridge with kidney failure and my third one is now being treated for the same.
Please accept our thoughts and prayers that Gypsy will enjoy her ride around the block for a very long time.
from me Sylvia the fur mom
and Bonnie at the bridge
Morgan at the Bridge,
William with kidney disease
Patrick and Sophie .
 
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