Saturday, January 30, 2010

A Day in the Life of Bucky

Well, it's really every other day.  In this post we are going to take you step-by-step through giving Bucky fluids.

For those of you who don't know Bucky, he is a cat my husband found abandoned in a field in October.  We took him to the vet and discovered he has chronic renal failure (CRF).  The vet told us we must give him fluids subcutaneously (under the skin) every other day.  This helps him to feel better and helps with rehydration. Without adequate hydration, the blood flow through the kidneys is reduced which causes even more rapid deterioration of the kidneys. Subcutaneous fluid therapy does not repair the kidneys, but it helps the remaining kidney tissue function as effectively as possible.

1. Warm the fluid bag in the sink for approximately 10 minutes.

2. Dish up some yummy Fancy Feast.

3. Test the temperature of the fluids before administering.
4. Hang the fluid bag so it's up high. This enables the fluids to flow quicker.
5. Find Bucky (he's probably napping on the bed).

5. Carry him to the laundry room where I give him his fluids.
6. Make a "tent" out of the loose skin around his shoulder blades. Insert the needle with the open side up with a quick motion into the tent.  Open the valve on the IV bag.

7. Hold the needle in place while the fluids go in.  Notice Bucky is eating his Fancy Feast.  This is my way of keeping him distracted.  Somtimes I find it helps to do this in the laundry basket.

8.  Finished.  Give Bucky some love for being a good boy.

20 comments:

  1. How patient you are! and so is Bucky; Chestnut would endure that, he's such a good fellow, but Jim would never, he always remained a kind of wild even living with us since 8 years now. Our kitties need a lot of love and care, don't they?..Ü
    Every time I see Bucky, I'm so glad that James found him and brought him back to your home..

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  2. Bucky is so lucky to have such a loving and caring family. What kind hearts you all have.
    Bless you.
    Sunny :)

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  3. This sure brings back memories of Mr Sunshine. Bucky seems to be so calm through his fluid feedings. I can tell that Bucky is a sweet cat. I hope he can maintain for a long time. He is so blessed to have a home with you. I wonder how long he had been all alone in that field.

    Kisses to Bucky and of course Marshmellow sends a paw shake, and Peanut? Well we know who he sends his kisses to.:)

    Hope the weekend is wonderful!
    Iris

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  4. Aw, he's such a good boy and you are truly wonderful to do this for him. Sending you all purrs and kitty kisses.

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  5. You both are just a wonderful couple taking in Bucky. Bless your heart!

    A lot of hard work, a lot of patience and what a good boy Bucky is.

    Hugs!

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  6. You are very wonderful,, and Bucky is so lucky to have such a loving family...
    I'm just curious to know ....how long usually take to complete the fluids??

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  7. He is so fortunate to have you to take care of him! I hope he lives a long time.
    cindy

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  8. Bucky
    you can be so happy
    that you can live by that family !!
    Your mama & papa have a golden heart.
    They do all for you,
    you could not find a better forever home.
    Many Love & patience have your family for you.
    I send your hugs
    (give Lucy also a big hug from me)

    Kareltje =^.^=

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  9. Wow - what a good kitty Bucky is! Give him a pet for me, please.

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  10. Lucky boy!...it is really nice that he is good for you while you are doing it, makes things a little easier.

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  11. How wonderful for Bucky that you found him and have lovingly cared for him ever since. He is so lucky to live with such a wonderful family! Bless you both!

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  12. Aww thanks for looking after Bucky and giving him so much love. We had a cat, Puss Angel that had CRF, and with subcut fluids we were able to keep her going for some time. The laundry basket is a great idea.

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  13. I think Bucky's story is so awesome. Most folks would have probably ignored the stray cat that crossed their path, but not only did James not ignore him, but after finding he had medical issues you chose to include him in your family rather than turning your back on him! I knew from the time I started visiting James' blog that he was good people, but this was the thing that made me know I ♥ you guys!!!

    Bucky is a good boy! Kovu loves Fancy Feast too, only the blue cans!

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  14. We are so impressed. With both of you. With Bucky for being such a good boy and with your mom for being so brave to learn to give the fluids by herself. We hope that Bucky has much quality time left in his cat life!!!
    Purrs, Siena & Chilli

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  15. Bucky is so lucky to have someone like you to take care of him, and he seems to know it, that's why he behaves so nicely, I think.

    Purrs from Gotchi

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  16. Mom says that sure brings back memories. She used to give Bogart fluids every other day too. She says she remembers the first time she tried to give him fluids. She was so nervous and it didn't go well. She sat down on the floor and cried. After that, it got easier and easier...'specially for Bogart. Bucky is lucky to have a caring mom like yours to take good care of him.

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  17. Our bean wishes to thank you for showing her she's not the only one that has to endure for her kitties so much. But she also will be the first to say it's not that big of a deal either.
    Our beams must really love us, eh?
    Anyways, we're all glad to hear that you too are starting to feel better. Just remember everything that bean does is to help you feel better, even if it's not very fun or comfy. Trust me, I remember very well too how it felt to be so sick. We're fortunate cats for sure.
    Hugs n snuggles,
    -Nimbus

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  18. Wow, you has gotten to be a pro at it! Good trick gibbing Bucky the noms to distract him. Wonner if that would werk for me? Nah, I think not...

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  19. Oh my! Bless you for taking such wonderful care of this kitty. It touches my heart to see stories like this. Thank you! Also, thank you for giving him love, as well as medical care.

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  20. he is such a good boy and your love is wonderful sweet Vicki!I didn't realise it could be this way, thanks a lot for explain it.
    God bless you beautiful heart!
    purrs
    mommy Léia and Luna

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