Ivermectin doses can be administered in a variety of ways, but the primary means of administrating this drug for cattle is by subcutaneous, or under the skin injection.
Things You'll Need
- Ivermectin
- Single-dose syringe
- 16-gauge 1/2" to 3/4" needle
- Cattle chute or other means of safe livestock restraint
- Disinfectant swabs
- Container for used needle
Instructions
Preparing the Injection
Capture and restrain the animal using a safe and humane method of restraint, preferably a cattle chute or other device intended to safely contain animal receiving the treatment. Animals need to be restrained in order to ensure proper administration of the injection.
Calculate the weight of the cow. According to Ivermectin's product specifications, cattle should receive 1 ml of Ivermectin per every 110 lbs of body weight. It is important to get the dosage as exact as possible because under-dosing an animal is not effective and overdosing can be dangerous.
Unwrap a fresh needle and attach it to the syringe. Use a new sterile needle for every animal you treat. The syringe can be re-used as long as it will contain the same drug.
Draw air into the syringe, then insert the needle through the rubber stopper at the opening of the bottle of Ivermectin. Once the needle is visible inside the bottle, inject the air into the bottle.
Turn the Ivermectin bottle upside down with the needle still inserted, pull back the syringe and draw in the appropriate dosage of Ivermectin. Check the syringe for air bubbles. If any are visible, tap the syringe with your finger until the bubbles rise to the top of the syringe, then depress the plunger slightly to remove the excess air. Place the needle cap back on the needle until you are ready to give the injection.
Giving the Injection
Ivermectin injections are intended to be given by subcutaneous injection. A subcutaneous injection goes under the skin, but above the muscle and does not enter the animal's veins. When treating cattle, an ideal location for the injection site is under the loose skin in front of, or behind, the animal's shoulder.
Once you have determined where to inject the treatment, disinfect the area using disinfectant swabs.
Get in a comfortable, safe position near the injection site. Remove the cap from the needle. Pinch the animal's skin loosely with one hand and insert the needle under the skin into the area you have selected. Quickly depress the syringe and remove the needle.
Place the needle cap back on the needle. Remove the needle from the syringe and throw it away in a designated container.
Release the animal from restraints.