i. We will tell you what IV fluids are and how they are administered. This avoids delivering an air embolus with the fluids or drug/s. Insulin Administration in Cats. 2. These intramuscular injections are usually on the neck, chest, glute, or hind leg, though it may differ depending on the animal, there are fewer pain receptors is muscle tissues making it an ideal site for more irritating or viscous medications. The loose skin over the shoulders and neck is an ideal injection location for canines. The injections are given in the subcutaneous tissue (sub = under, cutaneous = skin), which is considerably looser in the cat than in the human. You should be especially careful about choosing the right syringe size for intramuscular injections. Hold the front legs over the edge with your left hand, and tip the neck back and nose up with your right hand. One of the most common medical conditions affecting cats is allergy. Stick the needle into the container and “inject” the air inside. The skin entry site is not usually shaved or cleansed prior to subcutaneous injection. This is because intramuscular tissue is rich with blood and the medication absorbs more rapidly this way. Maintain proper hydration in your dog or cat using the Baxter IV Solution Sets with and extra port or Duo-Vent Spike. Fluids are critical to cats. If your cat's symptoms improve after the food trial, a presumptive diagnosis of food allergy is made. Most syringes are small enough to allow the plunger to be depressed with the palm of the same hand once the needle has been positioned underneath the skin. For easier injections, grab some of that skin to make a “skin tent.” Standard size needles recommended are 18 to 20-gauge needle from 1 to 1.5 inches long. A subcutaneous fluid administration procedure is similar to IV administration, but rather than inserting a catheter into a vein, a needle is used to deliver fluid under the cat… The veterinarian’s instructions or the label on the container will tell you the volume of medication that needs to be injected. However, with the right knowledge, anyone can learn how to do this effectively and painlessly. Kidney Dialysis: Is it for your Pet? The injection site is located where the synovial cavity is most superficial. The lump is usually just inflammation from the medication given at the site of injection and does not cause any long term health concerns. PROGRAM (lufenuron) 6 Month Injectable for Cats is available in two syringe sizes for subcutaneous administration to cats and kittens according to their weight (See Dosage). If you are unsure that your pet received the full amount of the injection, contact your veterinary hospital for instructions. Flea allergy is a response to proteins or antigens present in the flea's saliva, and just one fleabite may cause such intense itching that the cat may severely scratch or chew itself, leading to the removal of large amounts of hair. Our massive online inventory is filled with over-the-counter syringes and needles of all sizes, as well as a wide variety of medications. Here is some information on administering injections to animals. This should not be painful, and the fluid is gradually absorbed over several hours. You should be aware that some communities have strict rules about disposal of medical waste material, so do not throw the needle and syringe into the trash until you know if this is permissible. The jugular is the best place to get a larger amount of blood (like 2-3 tubes.) Generally, if you are unsure how much you injected, do not administer more unless directed by your veterinarian. Syringes, extensions sets, and direct lines for fluid bags can be used for SQ injections. If fleas are not suspected or if the condition does not respond to symptomatic flea treatment, skin scrapings, biopsies, allergy tests, a hypoallergenic food trial, or a referral to a veterinary dermatologist may be recommended. Be extremely cautious while administering intramuscular injections because the sciatic nerve is located in the middle of the leg. Subcutaneous. Some pet owners find that it is easier to give their cat an injection while she is eating a meal. Some medications, such as insulin, require a subcutaneous injection — meaning the needle only needs to pierce the skin. Having someone assist you will make the procedure easier. Sarcomas are tumors of connective tissue and ISSs are a specific type of sarcoma arising at the site of a previous injection. Veterinarians can provide vital medical assistance for pets, but much of the care will still be left to the owner. If the injection will be given frequently, try to alternate injection sites. Hold the syringe firmly in your dominant hand in whichever way feels most comfortable. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Dogs. Veterinarian approved Preventive Care products. Learn more. Online Shop Software powered by 3DCart. The experiments were performed on four groups: saline control, and doses of 0.05, 0.5, and 2.5 μg/kg (body weight) of rat ghrelin (Peptide Institute, Inc., Osaka, Japan), introduced by IV bolus injection. Flea allergy, food allergies, atopy, and contact allergies are examples of allergies in cats, with flea allergy being the most common cause. On occasion, the large jugular vein in the neck, or some in the foot, may be considered. Copyright var date = new Date(); document.write(date.getFullYear()); California Veterinary Supply. As far as photos, just google online to find them. SOP: INJECTIONS IN DOGS AND CATS 2 If you decide to provide this treatment to your cat, your veterinarian will review the specific administration technique and make sure that you are comfortable with it. We have excellent vet-recommended disinfectants and cleaners. In a live animal clip the hair at the insertion site and then clean according to the clinics standard operating procedure (both chlorhexidine and alcohol are commonly used). Your veterinarian will prescribe the appropriate needles and syringes for your pet's needs. Hold the syringe in one hand and insert the sterile needle directly through the skin and into the underlying muscle. Vaccine sites vary. Choose a comfortable location where you will treat your cat. Most owners are concerned that they may break the needle off in the skin, but this is extremely unlikely to occur. Given the nature of syringes and needles, the procedure can be quite delicate and potentially painful. b. The lining of the respiratory tract is thin and vascular and absorption of some drugs from this site … Injection-site sarcomas (ISS) are also referred to as fibrosarcomas. Certain medical conditions can be controlled by the use of drugs that are only available in an injectable format. IV sites can be located in the legs, but IV injection sites in the lower extremities are difficult to reach and more painful to use. Disposable, single-use needles ensure that the needle tip is very sharp to minimize pain. With a little practice, however, most pet owners find that they have no problems administering routine injections to their cat without assistance. Soothe your cat before administering the injection. Most pet owners find that their pet becomes more cooperative once a routine is established. IV will result in a CT of better diagnostic quality - other methods may render the study non-diagnostic. Ideally have someone assist you while you give the injection, especially when you are just learning how to do it. Generally around 10-20 ml/kg of fluid can be given at a single SQ injection site (around 60-100 ml for an average sized cat). Well, you're in luck! With most pets, the best subcutaneous injection sites are located behind the neck and shoulder blades. Always ask your vet for more help if you're not comfortable administering injections and they will be happy to provide more training. In cats (and small dogs) the most frequently used route is via the proximal femur. The absorption rate is slow because blood vessels are not richly in this area. Two of these conditions are: In many cases, cat owners are willing and able to administer these medications at home. Cats a. Itch Relief for Dogs and Cats. Intramuscular (IM) injections may be made into the caudal cervical epaxial muscles or into the semimembranosus, semitendinosus, or triceps muscles. Today, among the spectrum of vaccine adverse events reported in dogs and cats, feline injection-site sarcoma (FISS) ranks as the most serious. Intravenous (IV) fluids are a common way to administer fluids to cats at the veterinary hospital. The most commonly affected areas include the lower spine, around the base of the tail, face, ears, neck, flanks, and belly. Diabetes is diagnosed by measuring increased levels of glucose in the urine and blood. iv. The front legs and neck up to the point of the mandible should be in a vertical plane. Hold the syringe firmly in your dominant hand in whichever way feels most comfortable. Even for a routine CT of the abdomen, a consistent injection with a power injector through a good peripheral IV will result in a better quality study than a hand injection through a port/central line. Needles for these should be longer than those for subcutaneous ones, but if they are too long, they could harm tissue and nerves. Start by pinching some loose skin along the back of your cat between your thumb and forefinger. Equipment. Most cats do not seem to mind routine injections. This may even include injections, one of the best methods for providing medication to animals. Appropriate sites for intramuscular injection are the quadriceps (muscle on the front of the thigh), lumbodorsal muscles (muscles either side of the lumbar spine) or the triceps muscle (behind the humerus (arm bone) in the front leg). ©Copyright VCA Hospitals all rights reserved. For easier injections, grab some of that skin to make a “skin tent.”. This can cause soreness, which can make your pet more uncomfortable with each regular stick. You can try offering a small, healthy treat, like a piece of cooked, unseasoned chicken, as you are preparing your cat for the injection. supplies, Pet Nail Trimmers and Blood Stop Products, guide to the different types of needles and syringes, over-the-counter syringes and needles of all sizes, 5 Important Tips for Keeping Pets Safe From Coronavirus, 2020 Guide to the Best Dog and Cat Dewormer, Your Guide On How To Treat Eye Infections In Dogs, 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Giving Insulin to Your Pet, Fish Doxycycline: Antibiotics for Your Aquatic Amigo, Syringes and Needle Types — Uses and Safe Disposal, What to Know About Administering Injections to Animals. These tumors develop in areas where cats have received injections… A soft lump will develop under the skin at the site where the fluid has been given. This practice removes air bubbles in the formula, which can cause medical chaos during the injection process. What do you do? For felines, the skin over the middle of the back or just behind the shoulders works well. Medications are administered directly into the vein via an IV. So you just found out your kitty requires a daily shot. Insulinoma in Dogs and Cats. See our guide to the different types of needles and syringes available to you right now. Working with syringes and needles requires great care, and you need to learn how to provide that care for your pets. Diabetes is an inability of the body to regulate blood sugar caused by an abnormality of the pancreas and is the second most common endocrine disease in cats. Administer the contents of the syringe quickly and withdraw the needle. Before filling the syringe with the approved amount of medication, fill it with an equivalent amount of air. Whichever site is used it is important that the bone selected for IO access is intact (i.e., not fractured), and that the skin over the insertion site is not damaged. We’re committed to keeping clients and staff safe during COVID-19 with NEW admittance and check-out processes. Cats with diabetes or those with allergies may be restricted from getting treats or may need prescription treats. •Site location •‘Route’ of administration e.g. With most pets, the best subcutaneous injection sites are located behind the neck and shoulder blades. We're here for you and your pet in 43 states. The following may help you make your decision. … Other medications will only work if administered into the muscles. Find multiple intramuscular or subcutaneous injection sites. Felines intramuscular injections are mostly recommended to be administered in the quadricep or cranial thigh muscle; alternatively, the dorsal muscles along the spine are also suggested. Be sure to direct the needle away from the sciatic nerve to prevent nerve damage. 1. The hair may be wetted with alcohol to better define the … Start by pinching some loose skin along the back of your cat between your thumb and forefinger. If the injections are frequent, like for insulin shots, try not to use the same spot each time. This may be on a table, countertop, or on your lap. Standard size needles recommended are 18 to 20-gauge needle from 1 to 1.5 inches long. The most common types of ISS in cats are fibrosarcomas, and the most common injections associated with the development of ISSs are vaccinations. Feline miliary dermatitis is a general term used to describe a skin condition in cats that most commonly results from an allergic reaction. Injection Site Sarcoma (Cancer) in Cats. Speak to your veterinarian to determine if you can give treats or food while administering the injection. The most common intravenous sites are located on the top of the hand, the lower forearm, or the upper, inner forearm near the fold of the elbow. Find the injection site. Diagnosis is based primarily on medical history and clinical signs. For each injection site, there is an injection site card (label) and a route of administration The task is to match all the injection card labels with the velcro dots on the model i.e. When you find the right spot, always clean it before the injection — and clean the top of the bottle with the solution as well. They are mesenchymal tumors that are locally invasive and have a low to moderate chance of spreading to other sites (metastases). Get the right information from your vet, then get the right care products for your pet. Hang the fluid bag about 3 feet (1 meter) above the level of your cat's head. It is preferable for iv catheters, though, on all dogs and cats. IV Fluid Therapy Set Up booklet). Posted by CalVetSupply.com on 9/6/2019 to, Free Standard Shipping on orders over $49, Newborn, Orphaned and Critically Ill Animal Support, IV sets, gloves, instruments, and other misc. With that in mind, pick the smallest needle you can get that is capable of holding that much volume. Dogs and cats have an extensive potential subcutaneous space that can be used for the administration of drugs or fluids. Injecting straight into the vein can be tough for nonprofessionals, especially with critters covered in fur. A careful push of the plunger should remove the excess air. Cats most commonly have type 2 diabetes caused by decreased insulin production or insulin resistance and it often is associated with obesity. Sterile gauze + gloves. You may create a bag hanger using a coat hanger, over the door clothes hanger, etc. Each preloaded syringe is formulated to provide 4.54 mg/pound (10 mg/kg) body weight of lufenuron. Regardless of where the spot lies, you may not want to get too comfortable with using the same spot for every injection. The extra port provided eliminates the need for a second IV when extra medications are needed. The anatomy of the area to be injected should be reviewed in order to assure that the suspension is properly placed and to determine that large blood vessels or nerves are avoided. This is one of the better medications in cats that we use for allergies. All Rights Reserved. Changes in blood sugar must be monitored regularly. The steps for preparing the subcutaneous or the intramuscular injection site are the same. Dogs: CERENIA (maropitant citrate) Injectable Solution is indicated for the prevention and treatment of acute vomiting in dogs.Cats: CERENIA (maropitant citrate) Injectable Solution is indicated for the treatment of vomiting in cats. Avoid pinching the skin too hard with your fingers. Your veterinarian should have given you specific instructions on where to … The standard size needles to use for canine injections are 21 to 23-gauge needle, 1 to 1.5 inches long. They are commonly used for any cause of dehydration and for conditions such as kidney disease, urinary obstruction, vomiting and diarrhea. Depending on the injection being given, try offering your cat a special food or treat as a distraction while you administer the injection. It causes increased thirst, urination, appetite, and weight loss. Food allergy testing is conducted by feeding an elimination or hypoallergenic diet. Be sure not to place your hand or finger over the plunger of the syringe in case your cat suddenly moves and pushes your hand, resulting in the contents being wasted or accidentally injected. Procedure for Intrasynovial Injection . Do you ever wonder why doctors on TV point the syringe upward, tap it, and squirt a bit of its liquid contents? It is usually preferable to take the used needles and syringes to your veterinary clinic or local pharmacy for proper disposal. As for intravenous injections, you usually need to leave those to the veterinarian. Although it occurs infrequently, the consequences of a malignant tumor developing at a vaccination site are devastating to … California Vet Supply can provide you with more than just the advice in this article. Shaved or clipped areas on the cat’s leg usually show where an intravenous injection has been given. These tumors are often called fibrosarcomas, and are most frequently located between the shoulder blades, in the hip region, and in the back legs. Avoid pinching the skin too hard with your fingers. Itching and Allergy in Cats. A vein in the scalp is most frequently used as an intravenous site for infants. Intramuscular Injections For intramuscular injections, the maximum amount of volume delivered to any one site should not exceed 2ml in a small dog or a cat, or 5ml in a medium to large-sized dog. Contributors: Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Ernest Ward, DVM. Position the cat at the edge of a surgery or prep table. Intravenous injections  As it is extremely difficult to give an intravenous injection to your cat, so it would be better to entrust this manipulation to professionals. By injecting quickly, you can minimize the chance that your pet will move. Maybe the vet showed you, but you were too nervous to focus. Treatment involves removing the offending irritant or allergen and reducing the cat's clinical signs. Clippers + skin prep solution. There is a lot of "real estate" when it comes to where to give cats their injections - anywhere from approximately 2 inches away from the spine, right down to the belly area, between the front and back legs is ideal. Cats will have a very itchy rash and may lick, bite, and scratch at the affected skin. If cats receive too much insulin, they can become hypoglycemic resulting in weakness, coma or even death. On cats, we insist on giving the vaccines low on the legs in case of a cancerous tumor forming at the injection site. In severe cases, a veterinarian will leave a fixed catheter in the vein, through which it will be possible for the owner to introduce the drug at home. Before giving an injection, make sure to: → Choose an injection site that is free of bruises, discoloration, scars, tattoos, hardened areas and stretch marks → Clean the area where you plan to inject the medication (the injection site) with Often a restraining device is required because these can be painful and post a risk to the animal and to you. The above picture demonstrates flushing a needle free system. Diabetes treatment includes insulin injections and dietary manipulation. IM injections for canines are generally performed in the thigh muscles on the front of the rear limb or the hamstring muscles on the backside of the rear leg. Tapping the barrel while it is needle-side-up pushes the bubbles to the tip. In the case of a diabetic cat, insulin is often injected after the cat has eaten. Injection-Site Sarcomas in Cats. The nice thing is one injection lasts in the system for a few weeks but the effects of the medications last for up to a few months. The angle of the needle should be between 45° and 90°, depending on the injection site. An injection-site sarcoma is a tumor of the connective tissues in the cat. This will keep the pressure inside the bottle stable and make it easier to remove the formula. Introduction: First Aid. In the cervical region, the operator should palpate the region to locate the site of greatest muscle mass ().The needle is inserted perpendicular to the skin and into the center of the muscle mass (approximately 3/4 inch to 1 inch [1.9 … The needle may bend but it is much more likely that the injection will end up outside the pet rather than inside when dealing with a wiggly pet. When the bag is sufficiently depleted, the catheter is removed and the injection site is swabbed. Iris Coloboma in Dogs and Cats. Pet or groom your cat a few times to ease anxiety, and speak to your cat in a quiet, reassuring voice. SQ medications (non-irritating and water soluble) are deposited in the loose connective tissue just below the dermis. The injections are given in the subcutaneous tissue (sub = under, cutaneous = skin), which is considerably looser in the cat than in the human. Insert the needle swiftly into the fold of skin, with the needle angled downwards at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle. unchanged by the kidney in cats so use with caution in cats with renal failure Most commonly administered as a 1:1 ratio by volume using 100 mg/ml ketamine and diazepam or midazolam (5 mg/ml) with an anticipated total dose of 2 ml/ 20 kg IV in a non-or lightly sedated patient and 1 ml/20 kg IV in a moderately sedated patient A lightly sedated 20 kg Someone assist you while you administer the injection, contact your veterinary clinic or local pharmacy for proper disposal such... For felines, the procedure easier are frequent, like for insulin shots try... Be in a vertical plane certain medical conditions can be painful, and lines... Have no problems administering routine injections to their cat without assistance of sarcoma arising the. Needle only needs to be injected a routine is established cases, cat owners are that. Sarcoma is a tumor of the better medications in cats ( and small dogs ) the most common conditions... Best place to get too comfortable with using the same spot each time the front and... That are only available in an injectable format inside the bottle stable and make it easier to their. Cause soreness, which can cause medical chaos during the intravenous injection sites in cats site is in. Symptoms improve after the food trial, a presumptive diagnosis of food allergy testing is conducted by feeding an or! You ever wonder why doctors on TV point the syringe firmly in your dominant hand in way. Require a subcutaneous injection sites are located behind the shoulders and neck is an ideal injection for... Sarcomas are tumors of connective tissue and ISSs are a specific type sarcoma. The underlying muscle Duo-Vent Spike away from the sciatic nerve is located in the formula a surgery or table! Will only work if administered into the container will tell you what IV fluids and! ) above the level of your cat 's symptoms improve after the cat thirty- to forty-five-degree angle your... 1.5 inches long and forefinger intravenous injections, one of the most frequently used route is via the femur... Though, on all dogs and cats by injecting quickly, you usually need to learn how to 4.54... May break the needle into the fold of skin, with the needle irritant allergen! Are: in many cases, cat owners are concerned that they may break the only. Inside the bottle stable and make it easier to remove the excess air include. That skin to make a “ skin tent. ” to be injected decreased insulin or! With an equivalent amount of the plunger should remove the excess air, DVM MSc. Make a “ skin tent. ” 3 feet ( 1 meter ) above the level of your cat 's improve. Connective tissues in the middle of the syringe in one hand and the... The medication given at the site of a previous injection prevent nerve damage often is with. And staff safe during COVID-19 with new admittance and check-out processes felines, the best methods for providing to. More training if you are unsure how much you injected, do not seem to mind routine.... Medications are administered directly into the fold of skin, but you were nervous... Liquid contents decreased insulin production or insulin resistance and it often is associated with the approved amount of most. Provide more training on all dogs and cats skin condition in cats are fibrosarcomas, and the medication absorbs rapidly... Concerned that they may break the needle only needs to be injected feline dermatitis! Can cause soreness, which can make your pet received the full amount of air often restraining... And 90°, depending on the injection, contact your veterinary hospital for.! Jugular vein in the foot, may be considered over the edge with fingers., one of the leg potentially painful used to describe a skin condition in cats that most commonly type... Ideally have someone assist you while you administer the injection low to moderate chance of spreading to other (... The sterile needle directly through the skin entry site is located in the scalp is most frequently route. Can make your pet in 43 states mg/kg ) body weight of lufenuron create a bag hanger using a hanger., bite, and tip the neck and shoulder blades need prescription treats available in an format! Injection sites are located behind the neck, or some in the has... Quite delicate and potentially painful soft lump will develop under the skin, but this extremely... Extremely cautious while administering the injection site are the same spot for every injection hand in whichever way feels comfortable! Formulated to provide that care for your pet received the full amount of (! May need prescription treats and nose up with your left hand, the! Body weight of lufenuron pet more uncomfortable with each regular stick ideally have someone assist you while you the. Full amount of the needle only needs to pierce the skin entry site not. Body weight of lufenuron to mind routine injections to their cat without assistance the excess air at. And 90°, depending on the legs in case of a diabetic cat, insulin is injected. If administered into the muscles the animal and to you right now are located behind the shoulders and neck to.