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Sub-q fluids and major anxiety - ideas?
My Dal had ACL surgery last September and went into renal failure from the anesthesia. Ever since the surgery we have to give her sub-q fluids each day to help flush her kidneys. At first she was fine with it but over time she got a little nervous and would shake right when we would start the fluids. Within the past month it has gotten way worse and seems like she has a full-blown anxiety attack and shakes so bad when she sees the bag of fluids. It takes about 30-45 minutes to give the fluids and she is shaking the entire time and is just terrified. The doc said he could prescribe her some Xanax but it may take up to 6 months to work. I don't know if I want to go that route yet. Is there something else I can try that would help calm her down? Maybe something a little more natural? She has no other anxiety issues (ie; storms, separation, etc.) and she is totally fine until she sees me walking towards her with the fluids. I've tried to hide it but she's too smart for that. H squeezes the fluids and I sit with her and pet her the whole time. We also warm up the fluids before giving them so they aren't cold, so she isn't shaking from the temperature of the fluids.
She is 12 years old, btw, if that matters. Any suggestions on ways to ease the torture for her and/or something to give her? TIA.
Re: Sub-q fluids and major anxiety - ideas?
Would rescue remedy help? Would she pay attention to a frozen kong or is she too upset. I'd consider trying a low-dose xanax at a time when you are not going to do the sub-q to see her reaction (my Lily can't take it). If all goes well, I'd consider giving it prior to administering the sub-q.
I know how hard it is to stress our pups out to do things that are for their own good. Hopefully, you can find something to help make it less stressful.
I agree with all of the above. Hope you can find something that works. GL!
"The hardest thing is to live richly in the present without letting it be tainted out of fear for the future or regret for the past." - Sylvia Plath
Oh, you're right, was Prozac the doc suggested not Xanax. Is one better than the other? I guess it mainly depends on how she reacts to it. She's never had a kong. I've tried a spoonful of peanut butter and carrots but she just turns her head away.
In my opinion, because xanax is fast-acting its used more for situational anxiety (storms, separation) etc. Prozac works well for general on-going anxiety. It is given daily and builds up in their system. Xanax is given as needed.
For instance, my Lily is on Prozac (and Trazdone) for separation anxiety AND general panic disorder. She's bascially a ball of crazy if she's not medicated whether we are with her or not.
I would think a fast-acting short-term med like xanax or even clomicalm would work for this issue. Again, always try it without the stressful situation and at a lower dose. If she reacts well, it'd be worth a short to ease her fears.
Have you seen my monkey?
I am so sorry about your dogs renal failure. I am a Licensed Veterinary Techncian and may have a few tips for you. First of all, I read that your dog went into renal failure AFTER going under anesthesia. That is a big problem. What kind of explanation did your Veterinarian have for you? During anesthesia special precautions need to be taken to make sure that blood pressure doesn't fall too low causing problems, such as permanent renal damage. I would change Veterinarians.
As far as your SQ fluids problem, have you tried rewarding her with treats? Maybe have your husband distract her with something really good before you poke her and then continue giving her treats during the administration. You should make it something really good like tiny pieces of chicken, or something she wouldn't usually get. After your done, make a big deal out of what a good girl she was. I don't know if that will help, or if you have already tried this.
Andrea
Xanax is effective as soon as it's taken. Prozac and other antidepressants take about 2 weeks to start working the their full potential.
Have you tried making it rewarding for her like giving her treats right afterwards? I like the suggestions about it that Andrea posted above.
Is it possible you nicked something that hurt and now she's afraid of that? Are you injecting her in the center of the scruffable area at the back of her neck?