1. Equine Science

2. types of injections aND INJECTION SITES
Maintaining health and soundness injections (c)(2)(c)
types of injections aND INJECTION SITES

3. Subcutaneous “SubQ” What is a subcutaneous injection?
An injection given in the fatty layer of tissue just under the skin.
Why are subcutaneous injections given?
These injections are given because there is little blood flow to fatty tissue, and the injected medication is generally absorbed more slowly.
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4. Intramuscular “IM” What is an intramuscular injection?
An injection given into a muscle.
Why are intramuscular injections given?
This injection is chosen because of one or more of the following reasons:
The amount of medicine to be given.
The type of medicine requires it to be given IM.
The medicine needs to be faster acting than Sub Q.
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5. Intravenous “IV” What is an IV injection: Why are IV injections given?
An injection made directly into the vein
Why are IV injections given?
Medication reaches parts of the body much faster than other methods of injection.
Allow the medicine to reach the heart quickly and circulate through the body extremely fast.
Vein
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6. Intradermal “ID” What is an ID injection?
The introduction of a hypodermic needle into the dermis for the purpose of instilling a substance between the layers of skin, such as a serum or vaccine.
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7. Locations and Procedures for Giving Injections to Horses
Locations and Procedures for Giving Injections to Horses

8. Intramuscular Injections

9. Intramuscular
There are four main areas for giving intramuscular injections in horses:
Neck Region
Chest or Pectoral Region
Gluteal or Hip Region
Hind Leg or Hamstring Region

10. Intramuscular
Neck
This site is a triangle defined by the nuchal ligaments along the crest of the horse’s neck, the cervical vertebra which form a backward S-shaped curve from the horse’s poll toward the point of the shoulder, and the scapula.
Higher toward the crest and you risk hitting the nuchal ligaments, and lower toward the bottom of the neck is were the cervical vertebra and blood vessels are located.

11. Intramuscular Hind Leg or Hamstring Area
Below the point of the horse’s buttocks is another large muscle mass which is a good injection site.
It is the preferred injection site for foals because it is one of the larger muscles on a foal’s body.
The major drawback to this injection site is that it puts the handler within kicking range of the horse.
To find this injection site, drop about 1 inch below the joint of the buttocks and inject anywhere in the large muscle mass along the back of the leg.

12. Intramuscular Chest or Pectoral Region
The pectoral muscles tend to become sore easily and may develop abscesses more easily.
Generally are only used when the horse is receiving prolonged treatment and is sore in other injection sites.

13. Intramuscular Gluteal or Hip Region
The disadvantage to this site is that it has very poor drainage if an abscess develops at the injection site.
It can be used for a horse that is sore in all other injection sites.
The proper location of this injection site is the intersection of a line between the tail head and point of hip and a line between the top of the croup and the point of the buttocks.

14. Intramuscular
The general procedure for an IM injection is to remove the needle from the syringe, set the needle into the muscle, attach the syringe, aspirate to make sure no blood is present, and slowly inject the medication.
Some people distract the horse by pinching or tapping the horse’s skin next to the injection site for a few seconds prior to inserting the needle.
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Video: IM Techniques

15. Intravenous Injections
Intravenous Injections

16. Intravenous
The site for insertion of the needle should be in the jugular vein, in the middle of the neck, half way between the head and the torso.
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17. These should only be done by a veterinarian or with the supervision of a veterinarian.
Identify the jugular vein in the middle portion of the neck. Place a finger or hand firmly at the lower portion of the neck over the jugular vein. Watch and feel for swelling in the vein above the constriction.
Place needle firmly into the vein, the sharp side of the needle pointed towards the neck.
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18. You should see blood coming out of the hub of the needle
You should see blood coming out of the hub of the needle. Quickly and quietly grab the syringe with preloaded drug in it which has no air bubbles and place it firmly on the hub of the needle and draw up in the syringe.
Blood should fill the syringe. Then inject into the vein in a stead by not rapid motion.
When material is injected, pull needle and syringe out and place hand over the vein to close’ it.
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19. Subcutaneous Injections
Subcutaneous Injections

20. Subcutaneous These are given just beneath the skin.
Simply lift or “tent” the skin on the neck, insert the needle, pull back slightly on the syringe plunger to be sure the needle is not in a blood vessel, and then administer the vaccine.

21. Intradermal Injections
Intradermal Injections

22. Intradermal Given directly into the skin of the neck.
The hair should be clipped to aid in observing reaction.
Typically done for allergy testing.
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23. Equine Safety Procedures
Equine Safety Procedures

24. Safety
Always have a handler when giving a horse and injection. The handler should stand on the same side of the horse as the person giving the shot.
Do not tie the horse. The horse may pull back and injure itself.
The neck is a relatively safe place to give an injection because you are near the horse’s shoulder.
Use extra caution when injecting in the hind quarters because this site puts the handler in kicking range.
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25. Safety
If the horse does try to kick, its head should be pulled toward the handler so its hind legs turn away form the handler and the person giving the shot.
Injections in the pectoral muscles puts you in a position where you can be easily bitten, struck with a front foot, or run over by the horse.
Make sure all drugs are handled properly, given according to directions, and that sterile needles and syringes are used.
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26. In Conclusion:
Knowledge and proper techniques provide high-quality equine care and assure the health and safety of all involved!
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