5-6 wo kitten fading... how long between sub q and when to let him go.

We took in a litter of kittens found at a campsite a few weeks ago.  All were thriving, doing wonderfully with the bottle and had transitioned to wet food as well.  We noticed their bellies were very swollen and took them to the shelter vet on Saturday.  They had been in our care for 3 weeks at that time.  Vet gave them dewormer AND shots.  We tried to stop her from doing the shots - wait a bit until they were older.  She refused. A few days later (Tuesday), we realized that one of the bigger boys was not active, eating, etc.  Started him on syringe feeding and about 3am he had perked up enough that he was walking, eating, etc.  Put him in with his mates and went to catch a few hours sleep.  Woke up a few hours later (Wed am) to find him flat on the floor on his side, neck arched back and legs curled under.  He was still breathing, but completely limp and unresponsive.  I put him on a heating pad and syringed fluids until finally around 1pm he came back around - he even ate pate from my hand.  It's been almost 12 hours since that wonderful moment and he's fading still.  Did sub q - 4ml around 945pm.  Took a bit, but he came around again.  He is leaving his spot to poop - that's a good sign right?  How long before I can administer more sub q?  And I what point am I torturing him?   

If you know how to sub-q, my guess is, you can do it again. Better too often then to few.  You can also administer more at a time than just 4ml, I think.   Just do it slowly, and massage slowly the injection place. Be sure the fluid has body temp.

Sub-q safer than forcefeeding with an almost uncoscious kitten, when the risk for getting the fluid in the lungs is rather big, by reflux if nothing else.

Smear also some dextrose (glucose sugar) on his gum! Helps much if he has low blood sugar.

If you dont have dextrose at hand, honey or white caro syrup are also OK.

Proceed to report and ask!!!

Good luck!

    Welcome to our Forums!

ps.

What sub-q fluid do you use?  Buyed factory made sub-q fluid, or some home made variation?

Factory made are not only sterile, they have electrolytes (salts), dextrose, and something to give correct pH.

to sum up my try to answer.  I think, before you consider to let him go, give him more of this sub-q, quite a lot more.  And smear the suggested  sugar solution on his gum.

You can also massage him carefully.  Carrying at your chest is too never wrong.

If it doesnt perk him up, first after this it is time to think about next step.

Good luck!