Subcutaneous Injections
Fluid therapy can buy time while your ill pig is responding to antibiotics. Subcutaneous Injection of fluids helps to rehydrate your pet. Lactated ringers solution (one of several solutions that can be administered subcutaneously) is a prescription item.
Have your vet show you how to tent the skin and inject the fluid.
TOP TIPS:
Warm the lactated ringers solution before injecting it!
Do not draw air into the line!
Follow the instructions below to ensure the subcues are performed safely. Becky describes in detail how she administers subcues to one of her pigs.
Gather your equipment and go get your guinea pig. If you have a cuddle cup, put your guinea pig in it to provide it with a sense of security.
See also: Fluid Therapy/Giving Subcutaneous Fluids by Serafina Cupido.
EQUIPMENT:
STEP 1: Attach butterfly set to the syringe and draw the required amount of fluid from the bag. For an average adult guinea pig, this is generally between 20 and 30cc.
Becky writes, "I don't change the needle. It doesn't dull that much with one insertion into the bag opening."
STEP 2: Warm the solution to body temperature (about 100 degrees F).
Becky writes, "Usually, I hold the syringe and the tubing under hot water. I can feel how warm it is through the syringe.
"Another method is to fill the sink with warm water and let the syringe and tubing sit in the water for a minute or two. I make sure I'm holding the needle out of the water."
STEP 3: Find the right spot for the needle.
Becky writes, "I use my thumb and forefinger to find her shoulders, then bring my fingers together at the top of her shoulders. That's where I'll insert the needle."
STEP 4: Pinch the wings of the set together.
Becky writes: "The wings of the butterfly set have ridges on one side. By keeping these ridges up, the bevel of the needle will be in the right position. I grasp the wings. The ridges also give me a firm grip that won't slip."
STEP 5: Insert the needle.
Becky writes, "I pull up a triangular portion of skin (making a tent with her skin) and push the needle into the middle of the triangle or tent. It's penetrating the wall of skin and it's obvious when you go through the skin. Be aware that their skin is very leathery and tough. It takes a bit of a jab and chances are, they'll react with a little cry and a jump."
STEP 6: Inject the fluid. Be sure the syringe is angled downward to prevent air from entering the line (see photo below with bubble of air in syringe). Stopping before the plunger is completely depressed will help prevent injecting air under the skin, which can be painful.
Becky writes, "I always put the pig in a cuddle cup. I also use my free hand to rub the area right behind their eyes and in front of their ears. It seems to distract them from what's going on.
"I push in the plunger. The needle always has stayed put."
STEP 7: Pinch skin around the needle and withdraw the needle.
Becky writes, "When I get near the end, I stop before the plunger is completely depressed. This might not be necessary, but I feel like it will keep me from pushing any extra air in. I pinch the skin around the needle before removing it."
STEP 8: Apply gentle pressure to injection site.
Becky writes, "I keep a bit of pressure on the area for a few seconds to help keep the fluids in. If some of it leaks out, it's no big deal."
