Needle advise- Water belly

[Chold05]

Hi All!
I've searched here for what size needle and it seems the consensus is 18gauge for draining waterbelly. (vet confirmed WB and she's been drained once)
I'm looking online and they have all kinds of 18 gauge needles...

I have a Rural King and Tractor supply close by. I can also order online but I want to make sure I have the correct type of needle!
Links would be much appreciated!

 

[Eggcessive]

Yes an 18 gauge is good and may be the largest bore needle available. They don’t have to be very long since you are only inserting it into the abdominal wall, but there may not be a lot of choices locally. I have used a 20 or 22 gauge on a bantam, but if the fluid is thick, those may be too small of an opening. The smaller the number of gauge the larger the opening. This 1 inch one is probably long enough:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-disposable-needle-18g-x-1-pack-of-6

When draining the belly disinfect the skin first. You can attach a large syringe or just use the needle. It may continue to drain for awhile once the needle is removed. Note the color of the fluid and pictures are helpful. You may want to offer some electrolyte water after draining.

 

[Chold05]

Yes an 18 gauge is good and may be the largest bore needle available. They don’t have to be very long since you are only inserting it into the abdominal wall, but there may not be a lot of choices locally. I have used a 20 or 22 gauge on a bantam, but if the fluid is thick, those may be too small of an opening. The smaller the number of gauge the larger the opening. This 1 inch one is probably long enough:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-disposable-needle-18g-x-1-pack-of-6

When draining the belly disinfect the skin first. You can attach a large syringe or just use the needle. It may continue to drain for awhile once the needle is removed. Note the color of the fluid and pictures are helpful. You may want to offer some electrolyte water after draining.

Thank you so much!

 

[Chold05]

Yes an 18 gauge is good and may be the largest bore needle available. They don’t have to be very long since you are only inserting it into the abdominal wall, but there may not be a lot of choices locally. I have used a 20 or 22 gauge on a bantam, but if the fluid is thick, those may be too small of an opening. The smaller the number of gauge the larger the opening. This 1 inch one is probably long enough:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-disposable-needle-18g-x-1-pack-of-6

When draining the belly disinfect the skin first. You can attach a large syringe or just use the needle. It may continue to drain for awhile once the needle is removed. Note the color of the fluid and pictures are helpful. You may want to offer some electrolyte water after draining.

This was so helpful, thanks again! Here is a picture of the fluid. I was expecting it to be more yellow. It had just a slight tinge of yellow, but the swelling was much less afterward. She’s acting normal- free ranging and eating. I’ll put electrolytes in her water.

 

[Chold05]

Yes an 18 gauge is good and may be the largest bore needle available. They don’t have to be very long since you are only inserting it into the abdominal wall, but there may not be a lot of choices locally. I have used a 20 or 22 gauge on a bantam, but if the fluid is thick, those may be too small of an opening. The smaller the number of gauge the larger the opening. This 1 inch one is probably long enough:
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/producers-pride-disposable-needle-18g-x-1-pack-of-6

When draining the belly disinfect the skin first. You can attach a large syringe or just use the needle. It may continue to drain for awhile once the needle is removed. Note the color of the fluid and pictures are helpful. You may want to offer some electrolyte water after draining.

Update:
It’s been a few years and I’ve successful drained this hen several times.

10 days ago I drained her and removed 60ml of fluid. I waited 2 days before draining another 60ml as not to shock her by removing too much at once.the fluid was much more yellow than ever- almost the color of orange juice. (Attached fluid photo from 2020 and recent drain for comparison)

Well, over the last 3 days she declining. Her comb is more purple than usual and more floppy. Her bell is smaller but I can feel some hard lumps. She’s not eating much and therefore not pooping much. She’s been standing in one spot since yesterday.

I brought her inside and she ate a few blueberries, a tomato and a little bit of water. I gave her electrolytes and syringe fed her a special food I had from her previous visits.

Do you think i caused her decline by draining her? I’m feeling extremely guilty because she declined after I did that.

I called around 4 places and the first we can be seen is tomorrow afternoon. Unfortunately, I feel like she wont be coming back with me, if she makes it through the night.

 

[Duck_Duck_Goose]

Hello,
I found your posts while searching for information about water belly and appropriate ways to drain fluid as I think that’s what is going on with one of our ducks. I’m hoping others with more knowledge and experience will offer some advice here as well.
I’m sorry to hear about your hen’s decline, but from what I’ve learned water belly is the outward symptom of underlying, usually significant, issues. I suppose it is possible she’s become shocky, but more than likely whatever issues that led to the initial onset years ago have caught up with her, especially since you’ve now had years of experience drawing your sweet girl.
If you’re so inclined, please keep us posted.

 

[Chold05]

Aw I’m sorry to hear your duck has it as well.

She ended up getting worse- wouldn’t leave the roost bar, wasn’t eating and drinking minimally. She started standing in the corner all day. I started her on antibiotics I had from previous visits as a Hail Mary but I knew she was on her way out.

I ended up taking her to the vet who agreed. She was surprised she lived as long as she did with her condition. The vet helped put her to rest. We buried her under her favorite tree with her 2 other sisters.

 

[tlcmurphy]

I’m sorry you lost your girl, but you did not cause her demise. Three years with water belly is unheard of, you did a great job with her!

 

[Duck_Duck_Goose]

Aw I’m sorry to hear your duck has it as well.

She ended up getting worse- wouldn’t leave the roost bar, wasn’t eating and drinking minimally. She started standing in the corner all day. I started her on antibiotics I had from previous visits as a Hail Mary but I knew she was on her way out.

I ended up taking her to the vet who agreed. She was surprised she lived as long as she did with her condition. The vet helped put her to rest. We buried her under her favorite tree with her 2 other sisters.

I’m sorry to hear she passed. It sounds like you did all you could for her and gave her a wonderful life.
I hope you don’t mind my asking a few questions I’ve had a hard time finding answers to. What gauge needle you were you using (I’ve heard anywhere from 14 to 18, but not sure which is best), what length, and did they need to be sterile? Also, does the flesh at insertion site need to be pinched or is the needle inserted directly without pinching the flesh?

 

[Chold05]

I’m sorry to hear she passed. It sounds like you did all you could for her and gave her a wonderful life.
I hope you don’t mind my asking a few questions I’ve had a hard time finding answers to. What gauge needle you were you using (I’ve heard anywhere from 14 to 18, but not sure which is best), what length, and did they need to be sterile? Also, does the flesh at insertion site need to be pinched or is the needle inserted directly without pinching the flesh?

I used 18g 1/2 inch. And no it doesn’t need pinched. Make sure to insert the needle on her right side. Go down from the vent and over a little. It should draw easily (if it doesn’t and resists, I would advise to wait to try again with a new needle in a few days. You want to avoid reinserting the needle because of bacteria.)

I’m sorry you lost your girl, but you did not cause her demise. Three years with water belly is unheard of, you did a great job with her!

thank you for the kind words.