Injection Types
What does “Sub-Q” stand for?
Subcutaneous
IM injections in cattle are typically given where?
In the neck muscle
At what angle should a Sub-Q injection be given?
15 degree angle (right under skin)
What should be used to clean the injection site before giving any shot?
Alcohol or antiseptic
You pull back on the syringe and see blood when giving an IM shot. What should you do?
Remove and reinsert in a new spot (you’re in a vein)
Which injection type goes directly into the muscle?
Intramuscular (IM)
Name one common subcutaneous (Sub-q) injection site used in small animals (dogs and cats).
Scruff (dorsal neck), loose skin over shoulders; e.g., scruff area between shoulder blades.
At what angle should an IM injection be given?
90°
What does “needle gauge” measure?
The thickness of the needle
After an IV injection, you notice swelling at the site. What likely happened?
Medicine went outside the vein
What injection type delivers medicine straight into the bloodstream?
Intravenous (IV)
What is the most common vein used for IV injections in livestock?
Jugular vein
At what angle should an IV injection be given?
45 Degree
Why should you always use a new, sterile needle for each animal?
To prevent infection and disease spread
You’re giving a Sub-Q shot to a goat but can’t pull up the skin easily. What should you do?
Choose a looser area or use a smaller needle
List two advantages of intramuscular injections compared to subcutaneous injections for certain medications.
IM injections provide faster absorption than sub-q and allow larger volumes of some medications
Where are Sub-Q injections commonly given on goats and sheep?
Loose skin behind the front leg or in the neck
What should you do before injecting to make sure you are not in a blood vessel (IM or Sub-Q)?
Pull back slightly on the syringe plunger
What should you do if an animal becomes restless during an injection?
Stop, safely restrain again, and calm the animal before continuing
The animal jerks during an injection and the needle bends. What's the first thing you should do?
Replace the needle before continuing
Explain why IV administration is used instead of IM or sub-q for emergency drugs.
IV gives immediate systemic circulation, allowing rapid onset and precise control over plasma concentration—critical in emergencies
List two appropriate IM sites for horses and explain why site selection matters for this species.
Common IM sites for horses: lateral neck (nuchal ligament region), gluteal muscles, pectoral muscles
When giving an IV injection, how do you confirm the needle is in the vein?
Pull back on the syringe and look for blood flow into the syringe
List three factors to check on a medication label before administering an injection to an animal.
Medication name, concentration/dose, expiration date, route of administration, storage conditions, lot number, and manufacture instructions.
A classmate gives an IM shot too high on a steers neck near the backbone. Why is that a problem and what problems could it cause in the future?
Wrong injection site & it can damage valuable meat cuts or hit nerves