C275
Giving Injections

Subcutaneous (SQ or SC): A 1-inch needle of 18-20 gauge diameter should be used. The loose skin on the side of the neck or behind the elbow is a good location for SQ injections. These injections are given just below the skin, but not into the muscle. Substances injected SQ are not picked up by the blood supply as quickly as with IM injections, but greatly reduce carcass blemishes. To avoid accidental intravenous (IV) administration, pull on the plunger to make sure no blood appears in the syringe. If blood appears, pull the needle completely out and re-insert the needle in a new site.

This picture shows one location for a SQ injection. It is being administered behind the elbow.

This picture shows the proper location for a SQ injection in the neck region.

Intramuscular (IM): Injections given IM are picked up by the blood supply and spread to all tissues of the body very rapidly. A needle 1 to 1 ½ inches in length and 18-20 gauge in diameter is recommended for making IM injections. The best location to give injections is in the heavy muscles of the neck. To reduce carcass damage and potential nerve damage, avoid the rear quarters whenever possible. It is best to give no more than 15 mLs at any one site. To avoid accidental intravenous (IV) administration, pull on the plunger to make sure no blood appears in the syringe. If blood appears, pull the needle completely out and re-insert the needle in a new site.

The area outlined by the white triangle can be used for IM injections.

In goats, IM injections in the neck region can be difficult. A muscle mass found in the area shown by the needle and syringe can often be used. Injections given here seem to be well tolerated.

Intravenous (IV): Injections given IV are spread to all tissues of the body extremely rapidly. This is important in cases where the animal may require medications or fluids immediately because of dehydration or sickness. Situations of diarrhea, milk fever (hypocalcemia), grass tetany (hypomagnesemia), or pregnancy toxemia often require immediate IV fluids. When giving injections or fluids IV, use a needle 1 to 1 ½ inches in length and 18-20 gauge in diameter. The best location to give large volume IV injections is in the jugular vein in the neck. In lactating dairy goats, the milk vein can sometimes be used to inject small volumes of fluid. If an injection is given in a milk vein, use a small gauge needle to help reduce the possibility of excessive blood loss.

This picture shows an easy way to restrain a sheep or goat when trying to administer an injection IV or when trying to collect blood out of the jugular vein.

Clean the jugular region of the neck with alcohol. This will sanitize the area and make the vein easier to see. On animals with a lot of hair or wool, it sometimes helps to also clip the jugular area.

The thumb of one hand is placed on the lower portion of the vein. Once the vein is fully distended, the needle should be placed in a downward direction. Every effort should be made to avoid the carotid artery that is located just behind the jugular vein. No injection should ever be given in the carotid artery (see below for additional details). Once the needle is in place, the lower hand can be removed.

With the lower hand removed, no blood should come out of the needle. If blood continues to squirt out of the top of the needle, it could be in the carotid artery. If there is any question on the location of the needle, it should be removed and the process started over again. If everything seems correct, blood can be drawn or an injection can be given.