How Do You Give Shots? (goats)

[mikey]

How do you give shots?

The beginner will probably be giving only two kinds of shots: IM (intermuscular) and SQ (subcutaneous). An IM shot is for most antibiotics and vitamins, but there are exceptions. Find a nice meaty place on the butt (upper rear part of thigh). Using a 1"x20 needle for adults or a 1/2 - 3/4" x 20 needle for kids, briskly insert the needle deep into the muscle without hitting the bone. Pull back on the plunger. If you see blood coming into the syringe, select another site. If not, slowly press the plunger to place the medicine into the muscle. Hold the syringe so that the plunger is higher than the needle so that any air trapped in the syringe is not injected. Wait a few seconds and then withdraw the needle. Rubbing the area may help absorption. Keep watch of the patient for about 30 minutes in case of anaphylactic reaction. Subcutaneous shots are for most vaccines and some antibiotics. For an SQ injection, select an area on the lower neck, shoulder, upper back or armpit and pull the skin outward to form a "tent." If the skin doesn't pull loose, select another site. Holding the syringe fairly level with the surface insert the needle only far enough so that the end is in the center of the tented area. May sure that you are in the pocket and have not penetrated the thin membranes that cover the muscles and bones. Withdrawing the needle is not so important here, but it's a good habit to get into anyhow. Inject the medicine into the "tent" and withdraw the needle. Make sure that the syringe has emptied before the needle is withdrawn so that the medicine is not injected into the skin itself. Once again, watch for anaphylaxis.

By GoatWorld