How to give an intramuscular injection to a cat in the withers?

How to give an intramuscular injection to a cat in the withers? - briefly

To administer an intramuscular injection to a cat in the withers, first locate the muscle by gently palpating the area between the shoulder blades. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle into the muscle and depress the plunger to deliver the medication.

How to give an intramuscular injection to a cat in the withers? - in detail

To administer an intramuscular injection to a cat in the withers, follow these detailed steps:

1. Preparation:

   • Gather all necessary equipment: syringe, needle (25-30 gauge, 1 inch), alcohol swabs, cotton balls, and the medication.
   • Ensure the medication is at room temperature and shake it if instructed to do so by the label.
   • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before starting the procedure.

2. Medication Preparation:

   • Draw up the correct dose of medication into the syringe, ensuring there are no air bubbles. If air bubbles are present, gently tap the syringe to move them to the top and expel them by slowly depressing the plunger.

3. Cat Preparation:

   • Place the cat on a stable surface where it can be comfortably restrained. You may need an assistant to help hold the cat still during the injection.
   • Gently but firmly wrap the cat in a towel, leaving only the withers area exposed. This helps reduce stress and makes the procedure safer for both you and the cat.

4. Injection Site Preparation:

   • Locate the withers (the area between the shoulder blades). The injection site should be in the middle of this region, approximately one inch from the spine.
   • Using an alcohol swab, clean the area thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Allow the skin to dry naturally; do not blow on it.

5. Injecting the Medication:

   • Hold the syringe like a dart, with your index finger and thumb on the plunger and your middle finger supporting the barrel of the syringe.
   • Quickly but smoothly insert the needle into the skin at a 45-degree angle, ensuring the bevel (the slanted edge) is facing upwards. This helps prevent the medication from leaking out after injection.
   • Once the needle is fully inserted, check for any signs of blood in the syringe. If blood appears, you may have hit a blood vessel and should remove the needle and try again at a different site.
   • Slowly depress the plunger to inject the medication. It’s important to do this slowly to ensure the cat does not experience discomfort.

6. Post-Injection Care:

   • Remove the needle from the syringe and discard it safely in a sharps container.
   • Apply gentle pressure with a cotton ball to the injection site for about 30 seconds to prevent any bleeding or oozing of medication. Do not rub the area.
   • Monitor the cat for any adverse reactions, such as swelling, redness, or excessive grooming at the injection site. If any of these occur, contact your veterinarian immediately.

7. Comfort and Reassurance:

   • Offer the cat comfort and reassurance after the procedure. You can pet it gently and provide its favorite treats to help calm it down.

By following these steps carefully, you can ensure that the intramuscular injection is administered safely and effectively, minimizing discomfort for both you and your cat.