Foot inclusion

RE: Foot inclusion

Becky Jones — Thu, 07 May 2020 06:51:35 GMT

Thanks everyone. I’ve got to write a protocol for work and needed opinions on both . You ve been very helpful

RE: Foot inclusion

Alison Clare Hickman — Thu, 07 May 2020 06:05:04 GMT

James Colver Cert. Ed, RVN

Yup! Best answer IMO and IME!!!

RE: Foot inclusion

James Colver Cert. Ed, RVN — Tue, 05 May 2020 20:51:40 GMT

It very much depends who you speak to! I do include the whole limb in the first instance, feeling that it's beter to be safe than sorry and having seen to many swollen paws, including some very nasty ones. BUT, if the cat hates it, I'm happy to remove it and loosely place the wrap just over the cannula and leave the foot out :)

RE: Foot inclusion

Charlotte Chisholm — Mon, 04 May 2020 13:44:13 GMT

Hi Nikola,

I personally don't bandage a cats paw when dressing an iv. I find it causes them stress and can be heavy/bulky. They can’t scratch in a litter tray properly or wash themselves with the paw included.

Also, it is easy to visually monitor for swelling of the distal limb. Do remember the tape that is holding the iv in place should be checked to make sure it isn’t too tight as that could also cause swelling.

I've not come across any literature to support this, it is just my preference from experience.

RE: Foot inclusion

Sal the 1st — Sat, 02 May 2020 14:04:10 GMT

I'm a minimal bandaging nurse especially in cats - I find they tend to be more tollerant of an i/v line if the foot is unwrapped (ie less likely to spend time trying to shake off the dressing) its easier to check circulation to the foot , touch wood in 30 odd years haven't noticed a problem with a swollen foot if an i/v is placed and maintained properly, and a minimal bandage makes it a lot easier to see sooner if a vein has blown.

Horror story for you - those who don't like maggots look away now. Once took a dressing off a cat that had been seen as an emergency elsewhere, came to us complete with i/v. Notes stated the cat had been found in the grass at the side of the road and ticks and fly eggs were present and had been removed. Cat was going mad at the dressing which was foot included - expected to find a swollen foot when I took the dressing off but found maggots!