Aaron":1b23l58s said:
The Allflex automatic syringe gun is a great tool. Only used for intramuscular shots. Subcutaneous shots are always dangerous with a jittery animal. But I use auto syringes for the intramuscular stuff as they are quick and easy to use and don't break like some plastic syringe tips will in a thick hide. :cowboy:
I do not agree with sub Q comment Aaron - but perhaps it is because I use the following method.
I do a lot of sub Q and this is how I do it - I NEVER tent with the second hand. All sub Q shots are administered one handed. I discarded the tenting method years ago. Dangerous and slow - in my opinion.
1. Hold the syringe in your fist like you would hold a knife and are about to stab with it.
2. Place your thumb over the plunger
3. Hold the syringe parallel to the location of the injection site on the neck - needle pointing down.
4. Using a very slight angle - bring the top of the syringe back just slightly towards you and quickly insert the needle into the injection site in one smooth downward motion.
5. The needle will enter the animal and slide under the skin and still not hit the meat. I never use a needle longer than 3/4 of an inch - never had reason to.
6. Push the plunger with your thumb and then remove the needle.
If you are nervous - and some people are - slap (not punch) the site several times hard and fast with your free hand and then insert the needle and inject. The stinging sensation from the slap deadens the feel of the injection. This also helps with jumpy cattle. I usually do it with the back of my left hand and then hit them with the needle in my right hand.
You have just completed a successful one handed sub Q injection. Never put more than 10 CC per site.
I hear all sorts of comments about lumps after injections. I can honestly state I have never experienced this.
Is it because of my injection method? I do not know - but the guy who showed me swears it is.
I can bang off a lot of injections - real fast using this method - put one animal in the squeeze and pack a bunch in tight in the chute behind the squeeze and off I go. I can hit them all faster than you can supply me with the needles and the cows seldom jump around because they do not feel the needle going in.
Cheers
Bez+