Shot site swollen

[cowkeeper]

I gave a sub-Q antibiotic, 8cc to a calf and the site swelled. What did I do wrong? I did use a new needle. The previous shot in the other side, I had no problem. Thanks.

 

[dun]

Nothing to worry about. Some shots cause swelling/lumps. If it gets bigger then it's time to be concerned. Keep an eye on it, some lumps/bumps take a long time to go away, some never do. As long as it's on the neck you've done what was needed.

 

[Jeanne - Simme Valley]

Possibly would have been better to give 4cc in two locations. 10cc is normal for cows, but calves should be 5 or less per spot (may vary by drug). Also, you "may" have gotten some of the drug into the muscle.

 

[Tealduck]

You could have also pricked a blood vessel and caused a hematoma. I have had that happen to me once and it eventually went away.

Duck

 

[Hippie Rancher]

Is the lump hot?

 

[Proverbs 12:10]

I did a sub-q on a brahman cow last spring that swelled up with a lump...looked like a golf ball under the skin...it cleared up by the fall.

 

[cowkeeper]

Yes, the lump feels hot. It has been five days since the shot. The previous one, same amount same antibiotic, left no lump. It is on the neck.

 

[Hippie Rancher]

Heat indicates an infection, most likely the needle introduced a bit of dirt or something and an abcess has formed. Normally you would clean it real well and lance it to drain, but I hesitate to recommend that if the animal is already having medical issues. Why were you giving antibiotics in the first place?

Hopefully someone else will chime in...

 

[C HOLLAND]

When in doubt, call the vet. That is why they are there, the cost of a calf is worth much more than a vet bill.

A visit during the week is reasonable and even if the vet finds nothing wrong and tells you to just give it time, it's a win win situation.

JMO