subcutaneous injection

Step 1

Select site with loose skin (between shoulder blades or above ribs on either side of the thorax)

Step 2

Clean site with alcohol and cotton swab

Step 3

Use thumb and forefinger of non-dominant hand to lift skin upwards

Step 4

Create a "tent" of skin with a clear indentation

Step 5

Hold syringe with dominant hand

Step 6

Hold syringe parallel to the skin on the back of the animal

Step 7

Ensure the needle bevel is up

Step 8

Insert needle into indentation made by tented skin

Step 9

Ensure that the needle does not pass completely through the skin to the outside

Step 10

Pull back gently on plunger

Step 11

Look for blood in syringe

Step 12

Slowly inject fluid, allowing time for fluid to disperse

Step 13

Remove needle by backing out along same path used to enter the skin

Step 14

Do not recap the needle

Step 15

Place syringe with needle in sharps container

Step 16

Rub injection site

Step 17

Check for leakage of fluid or bleeding

Step 18

Praise the patient