B360
Intramuscular (IM) Injections

The area outlined by the white triangle indicates the proper location for intramuscular (IM) injections in the neck.

 

The area marked by the white line indicates the location of the sciatic nerve. This area should be avoided when giving injections.

 

The large muscles surrounding the "X" are good areas for IM injections. For safety reasons, it is often best to stand very close to the horse on the opposite side of where the injection will be given. 

 

Apply generous amounts of alcohol to the area intended for the injection.

 
With needle in hand, rub up and down on the injection site area (min. of 10-20 strokes). This will distract the horse and desensitize the area.

 

While rubbing, and in one continuous movement, insert the needle, continuing to rub the area after the needle is inserted. Practice is essential to make this go smoothly.

The arrow indicates the location of the needle.

 

The circle surrounds a needle properly placed in the neck region. Once the needle is placed, a syringe can be attached.

 

The plunger on the syringe should be drawn back, creating negative pressure. If blood appears in the hub of the needle, it is in a vessel. The needle should be taken out and the entire process started over again.

 

After special attention has been given to ensure the injection will not be given in a vessel, the injection can be given and the needle removed. A video of this procedure can be found below.

 

For safety reasons, it is best to stand on the opposite side of where the injection will be given. It is also best to stand as close to the horse as possible, trying to have at least 3 points of contact between the horse and handler (knee, hip, and hand). With 3 points of contact, any sudden movement from the horse will push the person giving the injection out of the way.

 

Apply alcohol to the area intended for the injection. Once the needle is inserted in the proper location, the syringe can be attached. The plunger on the syringe should be drawn back, creating negative pressure. If blood appears in the syringe or hub of the needle, the needle should be removed and the process started over again. If the needle is not in a vessel, the injection can be administered.

 

 

If the video does not play, you must install an MPEG video
player on your computer (e.g. Windows Media Player).
Click here to download Windows Media Player.
Or
Install Internet Explorer from our CD Manual.