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How to Administer Injections into Muscle (IM) of Horses
Storage
IM Medications are to be stored as directed by the manufacturer’s instructions as directed on the labelling.
Preparation
- Ensure the horse is being held by a competent handler who is standing on the same side as the injection will be given. Do not have the horse tied up.
- Be in a calm, quiet environment to reduce risk of horse moving/fidgeting
- Wear disposable gloves
- Ensure injection site is not grossly contaminated e.g. muddy
- Use a freshly opened, new needle and syringe for every injection. We recommend using individually packaged needles and syringes. Never reuse either the needle or the syringe, as a contaminated needle/syringe could introduce a dangerous infection to your horse.
- Make sure that you are about to administer:
- The correct drug
- The correct amount of drug (correct dose)
- The it is definitely supposed to be given IM (correct route)
- That you are giving it at the correct time of day
- To the correct horse
![IM injection site - horse's neck](/Media/Default/Equine/Images/im-injection-neck.jpg)
Injection Site
- Select location for injection (neck or hindquarters and left or right)
- Try to alternate between locations especially if injecting a large volume (i.e. greater than 10mls)
The Neck
- The land marks for injecting in the neck muscle are:
- The scapula (shoulder blade) – at the base of the neck (behind the red line)
- The cervical spine (neck vertebrae) – at the bottom of the neck (below the green line)
- The nuchal ligament – at the top of the neck (above the white line)
- You should inject in the triangle approximately a hands width above the shoulder blade, about half way between the nuchal ligament and cervical vertebrae
Hindquarters (Gluteals)
- The aim is to inject into the large muscle mass of the hindquarters
- Only inject in this area if the horse is of suitable temperament for you to do so safely
- Feel for the three bony prominences of the pelvis (the tuber coxae, tuber ischium and tuber sacrale) as illustrated by the green arrows
- Imagine a triangle using these three points and inject approximately in the centre of this triangle (as far from the bony prominences as possible)
![IM injection site - horse's hindquarters](/Media/Default/Equine/Images/im-injection-hindquarters.jpg)
Technique
- Make sure area is clean
- Select the appropriate site for your injection
- Stand in an appropriate and safe position in case the horse reacts to the needle being inserted
- Quickly and decisively, insert the needle perpendicular to the skin. A fast stab is less painful for the patient. The entire length of the needle, up to the hub, should be inserted into the muscle
- Attach your syringe and pull back on the plunger (draw back) to check for blood
- If blood is seen in the syringe:
- Detach your syringe
- Pull needle half way out
- Change direction of the needle by a few degrees
- Re-insert needle
- Draw back again to check there’s no blood
- If no blood is seen inject medication slowly over a few seconds
- Once syringe is empty the needle and syringe should be removed together in one smooth movement
Disposal of equipment
- Needles and syringes should be stored somewhere safe e.g. in a small box where there is no risk of someone injuring themselves on them
- They should be returned to your vet or the practice dispensary once the course is complete
If you have any queries or concerns do not hesitate to contact аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¹ÙÍø Equine on 01707 666297