Veterinary Medicine: Dog Injection Sites

Questions and Answers

Where are the intramuscular (IM) injection sites in dogs?

Lumbar region (epaxial muscles) and quadriceps

Where is the unacceptable IM injection site for dogs?

The semimembranosus and semitendinosus

How should an IM injection be given?

Needle at 90° angle to skin surface, going through the dermis and fatty subcutaneous tissue and into the muscle tissue

Where is the subcutaneous (SC) injection site for dogs?

Neck scruff Signup and view all the answers

How should the SC injection be given?

The needle should point from caudal to cranial at a 45° angle to the skin tent Signup and view all the answers

Where are the intravenous (IV) injection sites in dogs?

The cephalic vein (dorsal side of forelimb) and the saphenous vein (lateral (outer) side of hindlimb) Signup and view all the answers

Where are the IM injection sites in cats?

Lumbar epaxial muscles are most commonly used Signup and view all the answers

Where is the unacceptable IM injection site for cats and why?

The semimembranosus and semitendinosus as there is a risk of sciatic nerve damage Signup and view all the answers

Where are the IV injection sites for cats?

The cephalic vein (dorsal side of forelimb) and the saphenous vein (lateral (outer) side of hindlimb) Signup and view all the answers

Where is the SC injection site for cats?

Neck scruff Signup and view all the answers

In cases where an animal is uncooperative or the injection site is wounded, where else can an IM injection be given?

Neck muscles or triceps Signup and view all the answers

In cases where an animal is uncooperative or the injection site is wounded, where else can a SC injection be given?

Over the ribs or skin fold in front of hindlimb Signup and view all the answers

In cases where an animal is uncooperative or the injection site is wounded, where else can an IV injection be given?

Jugular vein, however this is last resort Signup and view all the answers

Why is the jugular vein used to take blood samples?

It is large with thick walls, making it less likely to collapse than other vessels Signup and view all the answers

Where else can be used to get a blood sample?

The lateral aspect of the ear pinna - only a small sample though, usually just a drop for testing blood glucose Signup and view all the answers

What should you do before injecting once the needle is in?

Pull the syringe plunger back before injecting to ensure the needle isn't inside a vessel (for IM and SC injections) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Injection Sites for Dogs

Intramuscular (IM) injection sites are located in the lumbar region (epaxial muscles) and the quadriceps.
Unacceptable IM injection sites include the semimembranosus and semitendinosus due to potential complications.
IM injections should be given with the needle at a 90° angle, penetrating through the dermis, fatty tissue, and into muscle.
Subcutaneous (SC) injections are administered in the neck scruff, with the needle pointing from caudal to cranial at a 45° angle to the skin tent.
Intravenous (IV) injections can be performed via the cephalic vein on the forelimb or the saphenous vein on the hindlimb.

Injection Sites for Cats

For cats, IM injections are primarily done in the lumbar epaxial muscles.
The semimembranosus and semitendinosus are not recommended for IM injections due to a risk of damaging the sciatic nerve.
IV injection sites are similar to dogs, utilizing the cephalic vein and saphenous vein.
SC injections in cats are also performed in the neck scruff.

Alternative Injection Sites

In uncooperative animals or if the primary injection site is injured, alternative IM sites include neck muscles or triceps.
SC injections may also be administered over the ribs or in the skin fold before the hindlimb.
Jugular vein can be accessed for IV injections but is considered a last resort due to its invasiveness.

Blood Sampling

The jugular vein is often used for blood samples because of its large size and thick walls, reducing the chance of collapse.
The lateral aspect of the ear pinna can be utilized for small blood samples, typically just a drop for glucose testing.

Safety Precautions

Before injecting, it is crucial to pull back the syringe plunger to verify the needle is not in a blood vessel, applicable for both IM and SC injections.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the proper intramuscular injection sites for dogs with these flashcards. Learn about acceptable and unacceptable sites, as well as injection techniques to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your procedures.