Posted May 26, 2015 in Equine Blog, General, Livestock Blog, Pet Blog by Jeffers Staff
Let us help you sort out the many different size needles and injection methods with Jeffers simple guideline chart. You’ll find helpful tips, whether you’re a first-time pet owner or a seasoned cattle rancher, on how-to’s and do’s and don’ts for giving injections.
As always, work with your veterinary, as this is not to be used in place of a trained professional.
Understanding the difference between them and knowing which one is correct for the medication that you are giving.
Subcutaneous or SubQ or SQ Under the skin – a less invasive injection that usually requires a shorter and sometimes smaller gauge needle.
Intramuscular or IM Injecting into the muscle – usually used for small volumes. If unsure ask your veterinarian for injection site recommendations for your specific animal.
Intravenous or IV Injecting into (or within) a vein. Consult your veterinarian.
*Gauge is used to measure the diameter or thickness of the needle.
Needle size should be based on factors such as the species, size, and breed of the animal; the type of injection; the volume of injection; and the viscosity of the fluid being injected. The general rule isto use the smallest gauge needle that will allow smooth and timely administration of the injectable product. The smaller the needle, the less painful initial injection; however, a needle that is too small will require the person giving the injection to use more pressure, dramatically hinder injection speed, and, for intravenous injections, lengthen the time it takes for the drug to take effect.
The needle recommendations are given in length x diameter (gauge).
Recommended Needle Sizes |
|||
Subcutaneous (SQ) |
Intramuscular (IM) |
Intravenous (IV) |
|
Dog & Cat |
3/4“ x 22 ga | 1” x 22 ga | *** |
Horse |
1” x 18 ga | 1-1/2” x 18 ga | 1-1/2” x 18 ga |
Colt |
3/4” x 20 ga | 1” x 20 ga | 1” x 20 ga |
Cow |
1” x 16 ga | 1” x 16 ga | 1-1/2” x 16 ga |
Calf |
3/4” x 16 ga | 1” x 16 ga | 1” x 18 ga |
Goat |
3/4” x 22 ga | 1” x 18 ga | *** |
Sheep |
3/4” x 18 ga | 1” x 18 ga | 1” x 18 ga |
Hog |
3/4” x 18 ga | 1” x 18 ga | 2” x 18 ga |
Sow |
1” x 18 ga | 1” x 18 ga | 4” x 18 ga |
Pig |
1/2” x 20 ga | 1” x 18 ga | 1” – 1-1/2” x 20 ga |
Poultry |
5/8” x 25 ga | 3/4” x 22 ga | *** |
NOTE: The smaller the gauge (ga) the bigger the needle (diameter). |
Thicker medications like penicillin may require a slightly larger gauge needle. Browse needles and syringes for all animals.
*** Not recommended. See your veterinarian.
As always, the information given here is meant to be helpful and/or educational. It is, in no way, intended to supersede, challenge, or supplant the diagnosis, treatment, or advice of a licensed veterinarian.