Topic: INJECTIONS (Read 3427 times)

CurlyCatz · « **Reply #22 on:** August 29, 2007, 07:48:40 AM »

Can someone tell me if the syinges used are "general insulin ones" or are they now brand specific with their own unique markings IE like the specific ones that come with metacam solution (i know that is for oral use)

If they are just general normal ones then i am sure they can be sourced cheaper or even in bulk buy..paying for a diabetic cat isnt cheap so i so sympathise with those who are forking out.

Dawn (DiddyDawn) · « **Reply #21 on:** August 29, 2007, 00:11:10 AM »

I do know of another vet that uses the same needle more than once which is worrying. I didn't even notice until someone who worked there pointed it out when we discussing something else

I doubt needles are that expensive to buy and even if it meant paying a few pence extra, I'd rather do that. The rules that apply to humans should also apply to animals

CurlyCatz · « **Reply #20 on:** August 28, 2007, 22:14:05 PM »

luckily animals are rarely so easily affected by things as humans are, this practice in a human on a regular basis (esp diabetic patient) would no doubt cause many an abcess, animals are hell of a resistant but it will and can occasionally happen.

I have known quite a few owners to use 1 syringe per day, this was their choice and never an instruction from us, to be honest i cant remember instructing how many to use as it would be a given they'd use new i guess.

It also has to be remembered that not only does pushing a needle through the skin blunt it but so does pushing it through the rubber vial to get the injection in the first place.

Sylvia · « **Reply #19 on:** August 28, 2007, 21:57:06 PM »

I always use a new syringe for each insulin injection that I give my cat Tommy, as this is what my vet advised. I suppose that I am lucky that the syringes are covered by Tommy's insurance, so cost is not an issue.

I tend to agree that the needles do get blunt when used more than once, as I am a diabetic myself, and I know what it feels like. It is not something I would want to subject my Tommy to, especially when there is no need to.

blackcat · « **Reply #18 on:** August 28, 2007, 19:38:56 PM »

A hundred years ago when I worked as a vet assistant (ok, during the 1970s and before vet nurses were invented in OZ) the vet used glass syringes with detachable needles, he used the older needles for euthanasing ferals. It was horrible They took quite some time to penetrate the skin as they were blunt. Even so, the needles and syringes were sterilised and lived in an antibacterial solution. Once disposable syringes were more commonplace these always gave better results. Always use a new needle. Even for subcutaneous injection they are better and give a more painless insertion. Reusing for a week will hurt the cat and will result in scarring and thickening of the injection site which will make it even worse. Bad vet. Very bad vet for recommending to the owners that they continue use for that long. Especially if they do not suggest sterile conditions in the interim...

Michelle (furbabystar) · « **Reply #17 on:** August 28, 2007, 19:32:41 PM »

When we had a cat in the cattery with diabetes the owners told me to use the same needle twice (once in morning, once in evening)

When my Issey was on daily antibiotic injections my vet told me to use a new needle every day and also to change where i injected as the area becomes hard with scar tissue

Ela · « **Reply #16 on:** August 28, 2007, 16:42:09 PM »

Quote

Having been doing it this way for over a year I'm fairly confident that it's safe. Although as I said, I wouldn't use a needle more than twice.

Everyone is entitled to do what they want to do and use the information they are given as they wish. As I say having seen the pics and knowing the implications of using more than once I personally will stick to my use of only once. ( I say my use

, I don't inject, Stuart does).

I will pass the memo with pics to the owners when they return and then leave it up to them.

JackSpratt · « **Reply #15 on:** August 28, 2007, 16:13:10 PM »

Having been doing it this way for over a year I'm fairly confident that it's safe. Although as I said, I wouldn't use a needle more than twice.

Ela · « **Reply #14 on:** August 28, 2007, 16:08:53 PM »

I contacted the CP vet this morning and received the following reply:- Although we cannot make someone use a new needle everytime, we would strongly advise that they do. As you say, everytime the needle is inserted under the skin, it becomes more blunt. It could lead to lipohypertrophy which is a thickened, enlarged or raised portion of the skin's fatty under layer where insulin injections are given. .

The needle will not be sterile, thus increasing the risk of infection and as the needle is more blunt, injecting the cat will be that much more painful. As the silicone layer wears off, it may contaminate or interfere with the insulin’s activity as white precipitates can form in the vial. A bent needle should not be used again.

The pictures they have also sent me would make anyone who injects not want to use a needle more than once.

JackSpratt · « **Reply #13 on:** August 28, 2007, 13:21:00 PM »

I was advised to use one for two days. It's not blunt enough to cause massive discomfort after being used once as far as I can tell. It's also very rarely bent (although if it is, I wouldn't use it on the second day) and I cap the needles immediately after use.

I certainly wouldn't use a needle more than twice, I think it would probably hurt!

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #12 on:** August 28, 2007, 11:34:46 AM »

Worrying vet!!

Gillian Harvey · « **Reply #11 on:** August 28, 2007, 11:27:35 AM »

I had to use a new needle every time for Suzies subqs, but they said it was OK to use the same syringe - just change the needle everytime. They are disposable, and used to get a box of them from my vet. VetUK do disposable needles too.

Mark · « **Reply #10 on:** August 28, 2007, 11:25:40 AM »

Sounds like a vet to avoid!

How any pennies can a syringe cost? ( I did a quick seach and an american site said 6 cents each

)

Even junkies are allowed clean needles so surely the cats deserve them!!!!

Ela · « **Reply #9 on:** August 28, 2007, 11:21:48 AM »

I have just phoned the vet of the cats owner to see what they think as they said they had been told one syringe a week. I was told just a minute then a few mins later the receptionest came back and said you can use it till its blunt. I asked how would I know when its blunt, I don't know came the reply. What about bacteria on a used needle I asked. I don't know about that she said.

Desley (booktigger) · « **Reply #8 on:** August 28, 2007, 10:53:41 AM »

I know with human diabetes the needle gets blunt each time (there is a poster in the chemist showing it magnified), so I would imagine it is the same with cats, theirs has to go through fur as well as skin.

Ela · « **Reply #7 on:** August 28, 2007, 10:46:41 AM »

Quote

Is it something that you need to actually ask for at the vets that the needle is a fresh one or do most vets now use a clean needle for each animal?

Our vets always use a fresh needle syringe for each cat and application. Although I do know of one vet who uses needles on multiple cats.

Team Svartalfheims · « **Reply #6 on:** August 28, 2007, 10:03:32 AM »

Ok thanks.

CurlyCatz · « **Reply #5 on:** August 28, 2007, 10:01:55 AM »

No practices in general are much better and to a higher standards these days..there will be the odd exception i'd imagine but it wouldnt be "common practice"

Team Svartalfheims · « **Reply #4 on:** August 28, 2007, 09:51:13 AM »

Quote from: lynn on August 28, 2007, 09:44:17 AM

i have encountered this alot esp when i started working..I also knew of the same needle and syringe being put back in a meds bottle and used on lots of different animals - disgusting )

That's awful Lynn and very worrying. Is it something that you need to actually ask for at the vets that the needle is a fresh one or do most vets now use a clean needle for each animal?

CurlyCatz · « **Reply #3 on:** August 28, 2007, 09:44:17 AM »

You are very correct Ela, thats terrible as insulin needles are so easily blunt and as you say the bend.

The bacteria must be breeding in the insulin even if it is kept in the fridge

Ive not experienced an abcess resulting but it doesnt surprise me it did with T's little puss. Terrible

(ps i have encountered this alot esp when i started working..I also knew of the same needle and syringe being put back in a meds bottle and used on lots of different animals - disgusting )

You should get the owners to price their syringes from chemist or online to see if they can get cheaper than the vet might be charging.

Teresa Pawcats · « **Reply #2 on:** August 28, 2007, 08:54:59 AM »

I think you are quite right Ela. A new one for each injection otherwise you run the risk of an injection site abcess. I remember once telling a vet off for using same needle for a second kitten in the litter (previous vets) I was told it was ok,needless to say that vet was later made to treat the resulting abcess for free.

Ela · « **Reply #1 on:** August 28, 2007, 08:38:33 AM »

I am caring for a diabetic cat this week, the owner uses only one syringe a week as their vets have advised them. I can't do this (I get a supply from my own vet and use a fresh one each time). My feelings are that each time you use a syringe the needle it must blunt a little, I also notice that are not always perfectly straight even after one use, I remember when someone brought one that had been in use a few days (and expected me to continue to use it) the needle was like \, also once used it would not be sterile and also bacteria could get into the insulin.

What are your thoughts please?

Author Topic: INJECTIONS (Read 3427 times)