VCP 411: Medicine Section

SQ-STEPWISE PROCEDURE

• 20g needles are most commonly used to give SQ fluids although larger needles (18g) may be used to draw fluid from the container of fluids. Smaller needles (22g) may be recommended for cats.
• Don't use the same needle that was placed under the skin to draw more fluids from the container of fluids or bacteria will be introduced into the container of sterile fluids.
• Usually a large (60 ml) syringe is used for fluid delivery.
• Fluids do not contain a preservative, so ideally they should only be used only once and then any remainder should be discarded.
• Never use a bag of fluids if it appears cloudy.
• The needle is inserted in the injection port of the fluid container
• Pinch up a fold of skin anywhere along the neck or back using your left hand if you are right-handed.
• Use your right hand to place the needle into the skin fold along the long axis of the fold.
• You can use an extension set
• The third method to give SQ fluids is to attach a solution drip set to a bag of fluids.