Sebastian Thread

[Amy0204]

I have a 60 cc syringe. To draw the fluids out of the bag, I attach an 18 gauge x 1" needle. When the syringe is full, I carefully remove and dispose of that needle and attach a 21 gauge x 3/4" butterfly (winged infusion set). Keeping the butterfly needle covered and away from the faucet, I run hot water over the syringe part for awhile til the fluids feel comfortable. I push the air out thru the butterfly, get Allison to hold Oreo, then I slip it in. She hates it. The Vet was good enough to give me 7 of each needles so I'd have a week's worth. She's getting 60 cc's of fluid a day.

[Sef]

Wow. I had no idea what a big difference the butterfly could make. Picked one up from our vet this morning -- they only had the one left in a 23-gauge. I've been using 22g 1/2" regular needles, but he is very fussy about it and I wanted to try a smaller size.

I was feeling unsure about using the set, but followed what you said Amy. We're only doing 20cc's, so I got my syringe filled up from the bag, warmed the syringe, went and got Bassy, attached the butterfly, and then took a deep breath before jabbing him. After two false starts (he immediately wriggled out of the towel), I got it. He made one little cry and then that was it! No fussing, no wheeking. He did move around a little on the table -- is that okay? They don't have to remain perfectly still, right?

Do you continue to hold onto the butterfly tabs, Amy, or just let it hang naturally? I just let it stay in on its own, and could then use my "spare" hand to rub his ears. Maybe a small treat would help keep his mind off it-?

Seemed like it didn't take any time at all to get the 20cc's in and the butterfly catheter out, and we were done.

Definitely need to order some more today. I spoke briefly with Dr. M when I picked up the supplies, and she felt that fluid therapy would be a good idea for him -- subq's once or twice a week.

Here's hoping practice makes perfect. :\

[Amy0204]

I don't hang onto it once it's inserted (no need to), but Oreo continues to fuss a bit. I think that's because it takes longer and she's got very little meat on her bones at the moment due to having lost weight. Allison stands in front of her and holds her steady and I rub her behind her ears. We get through it ok, but I still cringe when I first put that needle in and she yelps. I would think a treat would be a great distraction.

[Lynx]

Does Becky have some suggestions on holding vs. letting go?
www.guinealynx.info/subcue.html

Glad it worked better for you.

[Josephine]

I never hold onto the butterflies once inserted (actually encourages the needle to come out if they move--the whole reason to use the butterfly cath with the connected tubing). I just make sure the pig is comfy and not able to jump around too much. A cuddle cup or cosy actually helps me keep even the squirmiest pigs quieter for SQ administration. I've always done it by myself, so I like to do it in a comfy recliner with the pig on my lap or on the floor for safety. I don't need any flying pigs if they get away from me! Usually, though, they stay in the cosies pretty well.

[Talishan]

The butterfly set is one part of the equation, the gauge is the other. Amy, see if you can go down to 23 or even 25 gauge for Oreo. 21 makes it go somewhat faster but that's a (relatively) big needle.

[Sef]

Another member graciously offered to send me a 25-gauge butterfly to try, and I'm really eager to see if that helps. 23g isn't bad, but if a smaller needle can lessen the discomfort even more, I'm all for it!

By the way, at what point do you guys think I can put Bassy and his buddy Oliver back together? They are currently separated with a divider to restrict movement somewhat, and to monitor output (Sebastian's side of the cage is lined with white towels that I'm changing twice a day; no fleece). Surgery was on Thursday.

Also, I've been giving Bass Metacam but he doesn't really seem to need it. Should I discontinue, or is it a good idea to keep him on it for a few more days to prevent inflammation? He's also on Bactrim.

Thanks!

[Mum]

I use 25 gauge, and I find they work well.

I don't hold on to the needle either once it's in - I just hold on to the pig (in a cozy - or cuddle cup - so there's nowhere to run). The fluids go in pretty quickly even with such a small needle.

[Sef]

Sounds good. Mum, what are your thoughts about separating after surgery? Should I keep them apart until Bass has a follow-up visit? (week after next).

[Mum]

I'd see what your vet says about this.

I kept Heddwyn and Llewelyn together when they were both neutered. But a lot of that depends on the activity level of the pigs.

[Sef]

Bass and Oliver tend to be pretty laid-back together, but I'm still going to give it another few days. Dr. M said just to monitor and use my own judgment on it.

What do some of you do for bedding under hideys? As of yesterday, I went back to fleece for his side of the cage (was just using white towels that I was swapping out twice a day), but I feel like maybe I should continue to use a small towel or cloth pee-pad where he sleeps, and continue changing it out. Thoughts?

Thanks.

[Mum]

I always use a white fleece pad under the boys pigloo on top of the fleece. I find it keeps them from getting wet.