Quote:
Originally Posted by gardenyorkies  I don't think it is important to side with one breeder or another...I think that researching the information and making an educated decision is what all of us can do...
Because one vet doesn't agree with another doesn't make one vet "better" or "more qualified" than another...New information about the drugs or medical information is always being updated...I use several vets, one being a reproduction specialist...I will not hesitate to ask any or all of them for information...
With that being said...IMO...if there is a risk of infection or tissue dying from the use of sugar by SubQ injections ....Why risk that when you already have a puppy struggling to survive?...Why lessen their chances of survival when giving them dextrose orally and SubQ fluids without these added risks...The results are the same!
Food for thought~ |
Can I try to tackle this one, even though I'm not a breeder (just a nurse)?
There is a risk of tissue necrosis with subq dextrose administration, but it's small in comparison to the risks of dehydration and hypoglycemia. Giving Normal Saline or Lactated Ringers will help with the dehydration, but not the caloric needs of a struggling pup. Some pups may be able to tolerate oral glucose. But the smallest and sickest would be at risk for inhalaing the glucose and ending up with aspiration pneumonia.
I've seen D5LR given subq in elderly, dehydrated patients when they are having difficulty getting IV access. It's not ideal, but sometimes it's necessary.
One thing they didn't cover in the article was that more than likely they rotated subq sites for administration. That would help minimize the exposure of tissue to the dextrose. IV's infiltrate all the time, and most of these IV's have dextrose in them. The vast majority of patients don't end up with tissue necrosis because of it.