skin thickening over shoulders where I give sub-q fluids

I've been giving my CKD cat, Crumbs, almost daily injections of sub-q fluids since last August, and lately I've noticed her skin seems thicker and it's a bit harder to get the needle in. She also objects more to the needle going in, maybe it hurts more? Has anyone else experienced this? Is there anything to be done about it?

Aww poor baby, yes, the thicker the skin and harder it is for the needle to slide in, the more uncomfortable it is.

I would def start using another area on her. She will thank you too!

If she normally doesn't mind getting sub-q's, you can always use a smaller needle, a butterfly type works too. Slower going in though which is why I asked if she takes it well or not.

I was afraid of that. 

I've tried doing it further back on her sides, but it seems like it's harder to get the needle in properly without going all the way through the other side (does that make sense?) Maybe I'm doing something wrong there. It's just harder to get a good fold of skin pinched up. I'll try again I guess.

I try to use a slightly different place each time, but she's very small and there's only so much space on her little back, so whatever I do she's going to end up being poked in the same places over and over.

I have actually been using 22g needles instead of the 20g ones I originally had, but it turned out to be a LOT slower and she gets very impatient. Sometimes she jerks away so the needle comes out and I end up having to stick her multiple times to get the full amount into her. I'm planning to go back to the bigger ones since they go so much faster.

The thinner skin allows the needle to enter easier for sure. If you pinch and pull up to make a triangle, poke it with your finger to get a feel of it, so the needle doesn't go through the other side, ouch.

If you stay in the direction so that the needle is going to enter facing her head, it shouldn't poke through the other side. Better chance of that happening if you use her sides. Try moving down her back more, rather than the sides. 

Our Vet showed us how to do it actually putting in the needing AWAY from the head rather than towards the head.  It seems so weird, but that's how she does it.  She still pulls up on the scruff area like normal, but then goes in with the needle facing the rear end of the cat, but in the scruff area.  Hope that makes sense.  The only issue I have with that is the line is hanging around their head, which is awkward for the cat, IMHO.  At home, we do it the "normal" way, but this gives you another option since her skin in getting tough.