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Subcutaneous & Intramuscular Injections

4.8.4 Subcutaneous & Intramuscular Injections Sub-cutaneous injections: A sub-cutaneous (or SQ or SC) injection is given under the skin. The preferred sites to give SQ injections are where:

- there is loose skin.

- it is easy to give an injection without getting kicked, hit by horns, or otherwise hurt.

- there will be good drainage if an abscess develops.

Intra-muscular injections: An intra-muscular (or IM) injection is given in the muscle.

The black circles marked on each animal below are the preferred sites for SQ and IM injections.

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NOTE: Injections into the large muscles of the rump or back leg can cause extensive damage to the tissue and the loss of a large amount of meat. Injections in the neck area are preferred.HOW TO GIVE A SUBCUTANEOUS OR INTRAMUSCULAR INJECTION

Prepare the syringe and needle. Restrain the animal properly and choose the site for injection. If the site is dirty, wash it or choose another site. If the site is clean, remove the needle from the syringe. Hold the base of the needle firmly with your thumb and forefinger.
Warn everyone around you to stand back or to be ready in case the animal reacts.
For SQ injections: Pull (tent) the skin with one hand and insert the needle so that point lies between skin and the underlying muscle.
For IM injections: Place the needle boldly and quickly through the skin and into the animal's muscle by directing the needle at a right angle to the skin as it enters the animal.
Attach the syringe securely to the needle.
Pull back on the plunger slightly and see if blood enters the hub of the needle or the syringe. If so, this means the needle accidentally entered a vein. Partially withdraw the needle and reposition it.
If there is no sign of blood, push the plunger to administer the injection. Then withdraw the syringe & needle.