Did warming subcutaneous fluids in a warm water basin cause water to seep into the bag?

[DayshaG]

Along the lines of the great Anitra Frazier, I remember reading in her Natural Cat book about gently warming a bag of subcutaneous fluids for home administration in a warm bath of water (I use my mom's old, heavy duty dish pan she used to use for hand washables). I am on my journey finally of giving fluids to Bella for her CKD alone now, today was my 3rd time without professional assistance. I just started my 2nd bag of fluids I bought from my vet for home use since over the summer. Today, when I went to hang the bag up on my IV pole, I was a little concerned that the bag appeared fuller than I would have expected (even though this is only the 2nd time I am using the new bag). I wondered if the orange circle on the bag may have had some water from the basin seep into it slowly because I did realize after the fact the orange circle had been submerged until I noticed it in the water after a good while (20 minutes... I usually keep replacing warm fluids so that it warms up since I store the bag in my fridge between treatments.) I would feel terrible if I was giving Bella fluids that have been contaminated by the water basin. I have been keeping a binder clip on the edge of the basin to hold the bag steady, but for some reason I didn't see the orange circle was submerged because it was on the underside. Maybe it is my imagination but does anyone believe I should be worried? I could always buy a new bag and squeeze it into my already busy week if you think there is a chance it could be affected. Thanks!

 

[Dr. Jeff]

No, the injection port (the orange part) is not supposed to be submerged at all.

Subcutaneous Fluid Administration in Cats | VCA Animal Hospitals

Administering supplemental fluids can benefit cats with a variety of medical conditions. Most commonly, home fluid therapy is recommended for cats with kidney disease or chronic renal failure (CRF). If your cat is diagnosed with a condition that will benefit from fluid therapy, your veterinarian...

vcahospitals.com

However the main concern is sterility of the fluids when given IV. It is way less of a concern for SQF.

 

[DayshaG]

No, the injection port (the orange part) is not supposed to be submerged at all.

Subcutaneous Fluid Administration in Cats | VCA Animal Hospitals

Administering supplemental fluids can benefit cats with a variety of medical conditions. Most commonly, home fluid therapy is recommended for cats with kidney disease or chronic renal failure (CRF). If your cat is diagnosed with a condition that will benefit from fluid therapy, your veterinarian...

vcahospitals.com

However the main concern is sterility of the fluids when given IV. It is way less of a concern for SQF.

@Dr. Jeff I'll buy a new bag on the way home from work today. My friend who is a nurse but not a Vet, said a similar thing. The sub q fluids if some of the basin water got in it is not putting Bella in danger as I think. Animals swim in contaminated water, etc. That got me thinking yeah...you can get a cut and be swimming so things can get in that way too. Learning as I go! Thank you for your reply!!

 

[DayshaG]

@Dr. Jeff Good morning. I was reading your article you shared, my one mobile vet who had helped me with fluids over the summer was the person who recommended I store the fluids in the fridge between use as the bag is so big and I am not going through the bag a lot. I do flush the line after treating Bella before I put a new needle on for next time. The vet had felt that bacteria can grow in the line if I am not using the bag quickly. Is it ok if I refrigerate the bag? Funny how there are so many opinions!!! My friend suggested not using a bag that's over a month old and write the date on the bag when open it. I will see if the vet offers smaller size bags.

 

[Dr. Jeff]

some of the basin water got in it is not putting Bella in danger as I think.

I agree!

Is it ok if I refrigerate the bag?

Usually. Just be sure to bring it to room temp before use.

My friend suggested not using a bag that's over a month old

I agree. And 250ml and 500ml bags are readily available from your vet and elsewhere:

Amazon.com: B Braun L7502 IV Solution Lactated Ringers USP 250 mL : Industrial & Scientific

Amazon.com: B Braun L7502 IV Solution Lactated Ringers USP 250 mL : Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

 

[Dr. Christina]

An easier way to heat fluids with much less waste of water:

Hang the bag. Place a heavy bowl or mug full of very hot water between the bag and the cat, maybe on a shelf, stack of books, etc. Coil a few circles of the fluid line into the hot water (maybe with a weight to keep them under water). Open the valve to let some fluid flow over your fingers (into the cup) until the cold is gone and it is comfortable to your finger. Close the valve, insert needle gently and open the valve.

 

[DayshaG]

@Dr. Christina another nifty idea. Thank you!!