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.