How many of us know how to…?

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Was reading the GI article (I’ve read it before but need to brush up ) and It says we should learn how to give SubQ fluids and enema already and to ask the vet ahead of time.

I’m thinking of doing that at my next vet visit (Chuck’s first checkup) but wondering if she’ll think I’m batty!

[babybunsmum]

i just know how to give a tummy massage.  i think i’d be afraid to admin fluids sub-q.  i’m curious… what’s involved?  and can you be wrong that it’s needed & do harm?

[COOKIE'N FLUFF MOMMA]

i read the article too this morning and it freaked me out that i need to how to do this stuff.   I get the tummy massage but the enema? hmmm.. thats somethin

[Sarita]

I can do sub-q’s but I think I will leave the enema to my vet!

[skunklionshow]

I know how to do sub-cu, just b/c my ex was a technician and we had to administer pretty regular subcu’s on a very sick kitten.  He just wanted me to know, in case I had to do it.  I wonder if most would know when to administer subcu’s, not just how to do it?  So i’m not sure if many vets or technicians would recommend or suggest this.  Again, I’ve had to do a cat enema.  It wasn’t a great experience, so I can’t imagine doing it on a rabbit.

Geez…I have enough of a problem doing their nails.  One thing I’ve learned in mental health:  just b/c you know how to do something, doesn’t necessarily mean that you have the best judgement to do so (i.e. restraining a child, PRN medications, determining wether its a MH emergency or not). 

[kralspace]

Since getting all the bunnies, I’ve wondered about where I might could take some basic courses somewhere that teach that. I learned to do a lot of first aid and medical care for my horse so I’m not squeamish about blood of anything (she was bad about opening gates so she could take a turn around town by herself and was always getting cut up) but I am pretty timid about handling the buns as firmly as I should. I think knowing how fragile they are frightens me a bit.

Does anyone know if there are workshops available for training? Without having to enroll in a 4 yr. vet tech college or a nursing school?

I used to give my mare shots, meds, and even an enema once –yes, Sarita, it was THAT bad! lol

[bunnytowne]

sub q and tummy rub no enemas from me eeeeek I may hurt the bun on accident d oing it wrong or soemthing and besides those things suck I can’t imagine one phew

[JK]

The percentages ain’t too good here!  I’m in the bottom one!  Eeeks…

[Beeslee]

I can do sub-q bc my old kitty that passed away had crf so I had to learn in order to keep her hydrated. Had the shakes all the way till the end bc of the needle and I just HATE needles! The enemas I left up to the vet bc that was just to much for me. I’ll have to ask the vet at Angel if they have classes. Would be a great to learn all of it just in case. Now a tummy massage should be easy…no?

[MooBunnay]

I’m not as concerned about administering as know WHEN to administer them. Can the SubQ fluids be dangerous if administered at the wrong time? I’m sure an enema can be harmful if administered when it isn’t necessary…how do you know when these procedures are necessary?

[Sarita]

Sub-q’s are administered to help rehydrate your rabbit and to help those possible blockages hydrate and move through their system. I also use this to help dilute bladder sludge. Obviously you are not going to get sub-q’s without a prescription.

I would not do an enema myself but feel quite comfortable administering fluids when needed. I think an enema could cause more problems if you don’t know how or when to administer than sub-q fluids.

Obviously you need to talk to your vet for any of these things and your vet needs to feel confident you know what you are doing.

I would feel more concerned about administering pain meds and gut motility drugs than sub-q fluids if you don’t really know what you are doing.

Also if your rabbit is having problems you should take them to a vet as soon as possible – you would just do sub-q’s to get them through a difficult time until you can see a vet.

[MimzMum]

I don’t think I could properly handle a needle, so I just watch them VERY carefully and any sign of something wrong we’re off to the vet, ER or otherwise.
Enema?! 0_o; Honestly, I couldn’t even use a rectal thermometer on my kids, I wouldn’t have any idea how to do such a thing!

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