Sub-q fluids question/problem
 

I need help. I was giving my cat subcutaneous fluids (as instructed by
my vet) and the cat started to squirm around. The needle came out
about 10 seconds after I started the drip. Is it ok to re-insert the
needle? This happened about 90 minutes ago. I attempted to call the
vet but I keep getting a busy signal. My neighbor came home about 20
minutes ago and said there was an accident and someone ran into a
utility pole near where the vet is located. I'm guessing it knocked
out their phone service. I don't know. I just want to get this over
with because my cat was supposed to have these fluids two days ago.
But I don't know if it's ok to re-insert the needle.

Sub-q fluids question/problem
 

M.S. wrote:

I need help. I was giving my cat subcutaneous fluids (as instructed by
my vet) and the cat started to squirm around. The needle came out
about 10 seconds after I started the drip. Is it ok to re-insert the
needle? This happened about 90 minutes ago. I attempted to call the
vet but I keep getting a busy signal. My neighbor came home about 20
minutes ago and said there was an accident and someone ran into a
utility pole near where the vet is located. I'm guessing it knocked
out their phone service. I don't know. I just want to get this over
with because my cat was supposed to have these fluids two days ago.
But I don't know if it's ok to re-insert the needle.

A new needle is cleaner and a little sharper (easier on the patient).
Surely the vet gave (or sold) you more than one needle. I always
used a new one.

You're two days late doing fluids already. Waiting a bit longer to
get a call to the vet won't hurt. A little recovery time for you
would be in order as well. Sub-Q is really easy once you get the
hang of it and kitty will feel a lot better.

Administering fluids gets A LOT easier after the first couple of times.
It's also easier with a helper to hold the patient.

Sub-q fluids question/problem
 

After 90 minutes I would say to use a new needle for sure, but after
only a few seconds? This happened several times to us when we were
providing subcutaneous fluids to one of our kitties. As long as it was
in the same sitting, I don't see there being a problem. Using the same
needle session to session however is a bad bad idea.

Have you never had a doctor attempt to find a vein numerous times?
They don't change the needle every time, do they? Unless the needle
fell on the floor or was similarly contaminated, you should be fine
just sticking it back in - again as long as it is only for one session
and within several minutes of the initial injection. If kitty runs
away and you can't get them back for 20 minutes, use a new needle.