|
Many medications and most vaccines
are given by injection with a syringe and needle. Many injections
are given intramuscularly, deep into a big muscle. Others are
given subcutaneously, between skin and muscle. A few are given
intravenously, directly into a large vein. Veterinarians should
give intravenous (IV) medications, but you can learn to give
intramuscular and subcutaneous injections. Have an experienced
person show you how to fill a syringe, measure dosage, and give
the injection.
Intramuscular Injections
Intramuscular (IM) shots should be given in the thickest muscle of
the neck, if possible, to avoid damage and scarring in the best
cuts of meat (rump and buttocks). Sometimes an injection causes a
local reaction and a knot in the muscle, or even a small abscess.
It’s better to have this occur in the neck, where it’s more easily
trimmed out during butchering.
Make sure the area where you will
put the needle is very clean, without mud or manure, or bacteria
might get into the muscle and create an abscess. Wet skin and hair
increases the risk.
Detach the needle from the syringe, unless it is a “gun” – type
syringe. Press the area firmly with your finger or the edge of
your hand before putting in the needle. This desensitizes the skin
and the animal will not be so startled (and jump!) when you press
in the needle. Put the needle in with a forceful thrust, so it
will go through the skin and into the muscle. A new, sharp needle
goes in with least effort – and less pain to the animal – than a
dull one.
The advantage of putting the
needle in by itself, before you give the shot, is that if the
animal jumps, you can wait until he settles down and relaxes
before you give the injection. Then you won’t be squirting
medication or vaccine in as the animal jumps, risking loss of part
of the dose. You can also tell if you’ve hit a vein before giving
the injection. Do not put an intramuscular shot into a vein. If
the needle starts to ooze blood before you attach the syringe,
take it out and try a slightly different spot.
Subcutaneous Injections
Subcutaneous (SQ) shots are given under the skin. The easiest way
is to lift up a fold of skin on the shoulder or neck, where the
skin is slightly loose, and slip the needle in. Aim it alongside
the calf so it goes under the skin you have pulled up, and not
into the muscle. This is easy to do with a “gun” type of syringe,
without taking the needle off. If using a disposable syringe, you
can put the needle in first, then attach the syringe.
After giving an injection, discard
the syringe and needle (if they are disposable) in a safe
container in the trash can to avoid accidental needle pricks. If
they are reusable, boil them before the next use. Syringes can
also be taken apart and boiled.
“TIP” • Proper Restraint
Always restrain an animal before giving an injection. Put a large
animal in a chute. A small calf can be pushed into a fence corner
and held securely against the fence. If it is merely tied to a
fence, it many still move around too much or kick you. Don’t stand
behind or beside the animal unless it is properly restrained – so
it cannot move around or kick – with a panel between you and him.
|
