Valley Center Veterinary Clinic
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HOW TO...

 

CLEAN EARS

 

Pour a generous amount of cleanser in 1 ear at a time with the pet's ear held securely.  Overflow the ear. Big dogs are best held in a corner to prevent them from sliding away from you. Cats are best held wrapped in a towel to prevent running away. Once you fill the ear with cleanser, massage gently at the ear base.  This should not hurt - if it does, stop and see the veterinarian.  A foxtail could be in there, or there could be a ruptured ear drum.

 

After the massage, stand back and let them shake their head.  This will dislodge some debris that you can wipe away with a soft cotton tissue.  Never place Q-tips down the ear canal. 

 

Ear cleaning should be once weekly for life, especially dogs with allergies or with breeds that have long pendulous ears. It should be performed in dogs that have been swimming and after each bath.

 

There are several over-the-counter products available to clean the ear.  Look for cleaners with alcohol and aloe vera (or some other softening agent). They should not contain perfumes. Medicated cleaners are available from the veterinary clinic; Vet Solutions and Epi Otic are good choices.

 

GIVE FLUID INJECTIONS
 
This is helpful for cats receiving fluids under the skin for kidney disease, or for dehydrated pets.
  
 
1. Unplug the rubber stopper on the fluid bad (upside-down). Attach fluid bag to IV line as seen in picture.  Turn set right-side-up to allow fluids to fill IV line.
 
 
 
 
 
   2. Squeeze plastic chamber so you can see fluid dropping into chamber. Do not allow the plastic chamber to completely fill.  (If it does, turn bag upside-down and squeeze chamber as some air needs to remain in the chamber).
 
 
 
 3. Close IV line by rolling green ball until secure and tight (in "closed" position) - you can now attach your needle and administer fluids as seen below.
 
 
 
 
4. Tent the skin between shoulder blades and quickly place needle into skin. Do not point needle towards cats spine, but place it parallel to the spine. 
 
 
Turn "on" fluids by rolling green ball to open the IV line. Be sure to keep the fluid bag hanging above your kitty or the fluids will not flow. Allow fluids to run until the desired amount has been given (demarcations are on the fluid bag in millilitres).
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 GIVE INSULIN INJECTIONS

 

Here are some helpful tips for pets with diabetes:

 

  • Keep insulin refrigerated
  • Do not use expired insulin
  • Roll insulin between your hands and gently invert several times before use.
  • Draw up appropriate amount of insulin
  • Use new needles every time
  • Administer insulin in the skin, rotating between injection sites each day.
  • Ensure you are using the proper syringe for the type of insulin you are giving.

 

A great resource for diabetes mellitus in our pets can be found at: www.veterinarypartner.com.

 

Click on the link above and enter "diabetes mellitus" in the search window.

 

 

 USING THE ALPHATRAK FOR DIABETICS

 

For owners who are interested in monitoring their pets' blood sugar at home, please call us at the clinic for a demonstration. We use the "AlphaTrak" glucometer for blood sugar readings. If you already own an Alpha -Trak and would like tips and guidelines to better regulate your pets' diabetes, please click on the link below:

 

Home Diabetics Alpha Trak.pdf

 

 

 

 

 USING URINE DIPSTICKS FOR DIABETICS

Drop a dipstick in your pet's urine and use the box to read the color codes which detect the presence of glucose (sugar) and ketones. Ketones in the urine are always abnormal and informs the owner the pet may have a secondary infection. Ketones make diabetics feel fairly sick.  Normal controlled diabetics should have:

  • Glucose in trace amounts
  • Negative for ketones