tips on giving horse injection in neck

Eyeball the magic triangle - and decide where you're going to put the needle in. Pop the needle in as quickly as you can (imagine you're throwing a dart), conect the syringe then draw back to check for blood, then periodically withdraw the plunger as you inject, to make sure the tip hasn't shifted and nicked a vein (you'll see blood in the syringe if you have). It's sometimes easier to inject into the large muscles of the hindquarters - as long as you are sure you won't get kicked!
 
I hold the needle between my first and midle fingers, sharp bit facing my palm. I lightly tap the area I want to inject 2 or 3 times with the back of my my fingers, then the fourth time flip my hand round and the needle is in before the horse knows what has happened. Then, as said, attach the syringe, draw back, check you arent in a blood vessel, and slowly but steadily squeeze the injection in.
If you have an old needle, practice on an orange!

My mare has had loads of injections in her neck. Last time, a new vet gave her jab in her chest, and she developed a goose egg sized hard lump the next day, which then became surrounded by fluid. It looked horrid. The vet said she was reacting, ( she never has before) , personally I think he got too close to the bone :(
 
Really nothing to get worried about!
If your vet didn't think you were capable, he wouldn't have left it for you to do!
 
What kind of injection is it? Antibiotic suspension is very viscous and it can take ages to inject the full amount (just so you are aware).

I normally alternate sides of the neck too, so that one side doesn't get too sore from repeated "stabbings"

I've always done my 2yo loose in his box, and he has never had an issue with needles or injections.
 
Agree with practicing on an orange. I usually do a couple of hard thumbs with the back on my hand and then pop the needle in. Horses usually tolerate this sort of injection really well but they may chuck their head up. Don't worry! It is better to be positive then tentive.
Also agree with alternating neck sides. Having had to give myself injection in the past the area does get sore if you don't alternate.
 
scoobydoo said:
thank you for tips but getting worried now
Click to expand...

Totally sympathise - vet once left me a supply of antibiotic for my 10-week foal with instructions to inject it into the neck. Which was teeny tiny and I just couldn't do it. Cue panicked phone call to my usual vet who told me to whack it in his bum. If you're getting anxious, get your vet out and have him watch you do the injection. More expense for the call out but you'll feel better about giving further injections.
 
I remember the first time I had to inject, I was shaking, but the horse was so well behaved which made it a lot easier. Vet was lovely, and talked me through the process as I did it.

I found it easier to inject the neck that the rump, and always wore my hat and had someone on standby on the yard incase horse panicked (which didn't happen!) and I needed assistance.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top