What are "Subcutaneous Fluids?"

The word "subcutaneous" means "under the skin" (sub= under, cutaneous= pertaining to the skin). Unlike intra-muscular injections or IV therapy, subcutaneous (Sub-Q) fluids are not injected into muscles or veins. Instead, the fluids are injected between a layer of loose skin and the body.

Sub-Q fluids can only be given with a vet's permission. Their use is generally indicated if your ferret has kidney problems or if your ferret is dehydrated from a serious illness (like ECE), chronic diarrhea, or some sort of wasting disease. For chronic kidney conditions your ferret will most likely need Sub-Q fluids administered twice a day for the rest of its life to receive the most beneficial results. For short-term fluid therapy it may be easiest to have your vet do it. If fluid therapy is indicated for one week or longer, it may be possible for you to do it at home.

When properly given under veterinary supervision, Sub-Q fluids could prolong, and in some instances save, your ferret's life.

My Story

When Whitney was diagnosed with a kidney condition, I was told she would need Sub-Q fluid therapy for at least a week and possibly even long term. I was told a vet could do it for about $25 each time or I could try doing it at home by myself. $25 dollars for a few times was no big deal, but for a couple of weeks or more? I did some quick math and decided that I would try to learn how to do it at home!

My vet said I would need a second person, but I didn't have that option and I was sure I could work things out with Whitney (my ferret.) As my vet started to show me what to do, and I was nervously asking questions, she kept saying "are you SURE you want to do this? It's not that easy. Why don't you bring her back and have one of the techs do it for you instead?" But I was determined to at least try to do it on my own. I mean if one of the techs could do it then why couldn't I? As long as somebody showed me what to do, how complicated could it be? I explained that if I were not able to do it, I would still have the option of bringing Whitney to the hospital for fluids that day -which of course I wouldn't have hesitated to do. No advanced appointment was needed for fluids at either ferret vet in my area, so as long as I was going to take a trip to a vet's office either way, I figured I might as well try it at home by myself first. If it didn't work then it didn't work but I at least wanted to try. –And I must admit, the alternative of paying $25 a treatment was a pretty big motivator as well!

Our first time

I was so panicked my first few times doing it alone. I remember thinking, "if I'm calm, she'll be calm...." and she was pretty darned good. I remember leaving a message for my friend after the first time saying "Ok, I did it, and I pushed the fluids through the syringe, and the syringe is empty now and it's not all over the floor… and she seems to be ok… so I guess it went in her?!" I was so scared! Everybody had been doing a pretty good job of convincing me that it was going to be a very difficult and nearly impossible thing for me to do on my own.

Well, after a few shaky starts we did just fine. Whitney received Sub-Q fluids twice a day, without fail, for the next two years. Once we were both used to it, the entire procedure took about 3 minutes (if that) including set up and clean up.

I know some people reading this are going to think "3 minutes? That can't be right?!" It is! I was very fortunate that my vet showed me how to do this with a syringe and a butterfly needle with a length of tubing attached. I didn't find out until later that many people (including other vets I know) had been taught to give ferrets fluids using an IV bag and tubing (like they would for a cat.) Using a syringe is SO much easier. They are little animals! It really did take me about 3 minutes or less this way. No kidding!