Both intravenous (IV) and subcutaneous (subQ) therapy have their pros and cons, and the choice between them depends on your cat’s condition, and the purpose of the therapy.
IV fluid therapy is administered in cases where a cat’s condition suddenly and rapidly worsens. The therapy is effective for removing toxins and supporting kidney functions, making it ideal in cases of sudden dehydration, toxin accumulation, or acute electrolyte imbalance. However, long-term administration is difficult, as the therapy must be carried out at a veterinary clinic, and there is a risk of infection or damage to the blood vessels. Therefore, IV fluid therapy should only be carried out in cases of emergency.
Meanwhile, subQ fluid therapy is ideal for long-term, consistent care. As the process is simple, it can be carried out at home by the cat’s owner without issue. Additionally, since subQ injections are administered under the skin, there is no reason to interact with the blood vessels, meaning that there should be no risk of damage. While the fluids take longer to absorb with subQ therapy, they are also absorbed more safely. This, in turn, reduces the stress placed on both cats and their owners. However, due to the slower absorption time, subQ therapy has limited effectiveness when dealing with acute conditions, and cats may suffer from edema or discomfort due to the constant and repeated injections.
Ultimately, IV fluid therapy should be utilized in cases of acute risk, while subQ fluid therapy should be administered for cases that require stable and long-term care. For cats with CKD, where long-term maintenance is paramount, subQ therapy should be utilized, with IV therapy being used for supplementary purposes.
