How to give Injections to Horses

Be aware of the differences between IV (intravenous) and IM (intramuscular) injections. Keep in mind that a drug which is given IV gets to the body faster and lasts for a less period of time than a drug that is given IM, which takes up to eight minutes to take effect but which acts longer. Also keep in mind that some drugs must be given IM and never IV (penicillin) and others must be given IV but never IM (Banamine).

Put halter on horse and be sure that the horse is calm as possible, and that you are confident. Tie horse to a post with a quick release knot, or have someone hold onto the horse. For IM injections (the easiest) divide the side of the neck into four equal 'strips,' the top two above the jugular vein, the top two representing the muscle (just above the vein) the tendons in the neck above that. You want to inject the drug into the muscle, not the tendon 'layer'. Be sure the muscle layer midway between the head and the base of the neck is clean (you don't have to put alcohol on it, though if you can, it would be ideal) and with light on the area, and not touching the tip of the needle, insert tip of the needle into the muscle with a single, firm motion. Insert the needle without the syringe, being sure that you are using a 16 gauge needle if preparing to inject something thick (20 ccs of thick penicillin) or possibly an 18 gauge needle if a more fluid material in smaller volume ( 3 ccs of aqueous Rompan). The former is most recommended, as the horse may flinch. Once the horse has calmed down, bring the loaded syringe to the needle and pull back, so you are sure you are not in the vein. If you see no blood, inject the material into the muscle. Pull needle out a bit to make more room for the injected material if you need to. Inject no more than 20 cc's into any one spot on the neck. Then, rub the area, give horse a treat for being so cooperative. Give yourself something too. Everything must be kept as sterile as possible, never using a needle that has been been in an animal twice. You can reuse the syringes if they have been kept sterile. You can also inject material into the buttocks, but you might get kicked by the horse for the trouble, or worse...leave the needle in after they break...such has happened, even in the vet schools.

Identify the jugular vein if injecting IV (a harder task) 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 (towards the neck). If you can't see and feel where the vein is swelling (due to your holding back return of blood to the heart) do not proceed. If you can see and feel it, take a 16 gauge needle in one hand and place it firmly into the vein, the sharp side of the needle pointed towards the neck (though some people insert it straight into the vein). The sight for insertion of the needle should be in the middle of the neck, half way between the head and the torso. 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 in it and place it firmly on the hub of the needle and draw up in the syringe. Blood should fill the syringe. If it does, inject drug into the vein in a steady but not rapid motion. When material is injected, pull needle and syringe out and place hand over the vein to 'close' it.

Dispose of all needles that have been in animals. Keep in mind what you are giving and why. When in doubt...seek professional help.