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.