[Sbom]

I've just collected some Panomec from the vets for injecting into my itchy pigs. Now I have no problem injecting at all but apparently this needs to go under the skin. Is that difficult in a pig? Never tried it and cant imagine it's easy to pull up as I would if injecting any other animal under the skin  any tips appreciated

[Eve]

No, it's not too bad. Like you said you can't just pull up their skin, but these injections are usually done in the neck, they are easiest to do when they're feeding as you can take your time feeling for a good spot    Do you have a slapshot injector? Now that we have one of those we swear by them.

[Beewyched]

I do all my Subcut injections on my KKs behind the ear - as Eve says, at feeding time is easier.  I used to do it with syringe & needle, but now have a Masterjet & Slapshot which makes things so much quicker & the pigs barely notice 
This is a good link;
http://www.thepigsite.com/pighealth/article/84/sites-of-injection
 

[Mrs Snoodles]

I have that the basic syringes where the needle is attached directly to the syringe system easiest to use. You push it in and done.  For a couple of years I used an injector where the needle was attached to the hose but I always thought that it was more difficult to insert the needle on the end of a tiny hose, than when attached to a gun.

I do mine when feeding and I lean over the pig and inject on the opposite side to which I am standing. I find that if the pig is going to jerk it's head, then it will not smack into my legs.  When you do it, just go for it. The pigs will feel a bit of discomfort for a second, but that's all.

Sbom, as you have got this Panomec now, you could take the opportunity to get your pigs into a regular worming programme.  Just twice a year, then you know you are covered for worms, lice etc.  Even if you were just intending to use the pigs for meat, at least you know that when you have injected them they will convert the food efficiently.   I inject for erysipelas too, as the snorkels are kept outdoors.  I am lucky to have a fantastic pig vet nearby and he recommended this approach.  Yes, it is an extra expense and hassle but not as much as a sick pig.

[Sbom]

Thanks guys 
They are being raised for meat and living outside, I'll take a few hurdles down at feed time and feed them in there I think  . I just have a regular syringe so will inject behind the ears as advised.
The thing I struggle with with pigs is there are no obvious handles! Not as easy to grab as sheep or calves and if I grab a leg then I can see me getting dragged into their wallow, which incidentally they refuse to use!
As far as worming goes, could anyone advise a product? There about 12wks old.

[Mrs Snoodles]

What you have, Panomec, will cover for worms as well. 
When you inject your pigs, you should not need to grab them.  Pop lots of feed down. Just get up close, keep them calm and jab. The jab behind the ears doesn't have to be exact. You are looking for the neck area, closer to the ear rather than further down.  Don't forget that your pigs will take their time to eat so you don't need to rush in an do it super quickly. Let them settle,stand beside them etc and chill
Also, you might want a marker spray to know which ones you have done. If your pigs start getting a bit ansty you can always call it a day and finish the job later.

[Beewyched]

Sbom - don't try grabbing your pigs, all it will do is upset them & possibly damage themselves & you in doing so.  If they won't stay still for you at feed-time, then it's safer to create a "crush".
The Panomec will treat for both internal & external parasites (worms & lice etc) so if you're raising for meat them you will only need to do them the once - remember they cannot go for meat slaughter for at least 28 days after their jabs (withdrawel period)
Oh & don't forget to keep a record in your medicine book 
 

[Sbom]

That's good that it worms aswell, didn't have the instructions as he just drew off what I needed.
Wasn't intending to grab them as I can see that as a recipe for disaster! I think I'll have to squeeze 'crush' them together as I can't see how I can accurately get the injection under the skin if I just lunge and inject 
Already checked the meat withdrawal online so I could fill out my records correctly 

[Beewyched]

Sbom - believe it or not "lunge" or rather "stab" & inject will work well     Remember, you don't need to pinch or lift the skin, as with sheep, just get the needle in, tiny pull-back to check for blood (if they stay still) & plunge.  Be firm, it honestly doesn't hurt them half as much as you think - some of mine barely flinch (especially if they've got some chopped apple in their feed    ).  I do give mine a heavy-handed rub just before "stabbing" & afterwards (unless they've moved-off).
 
 
 

[Sbom]

All done!  wasn't as difficult as I thought  . Penned them with there food and they hardly noticed the needle at all, I was surprised how easily the needle went in, I'd imagined the skin would have been tougher, not sure why  .

Thanks for the advice though  much appreciated 

[Beewyched]

Well done you    - it can be a bit scary 1st time, but now you've done it, well it's a bit like learning to ride a bicycle.
 

[montana]

I must admit when we wormed ours we used a slapshot. Fantastic bit of kit.

[Beewyched]

I must admit when we wormed ours we used a slapshot. Fantastic bit of kit.

Especially if you're keeping a few breeding sows & boars - pigs don't just have high intelligence, they also have memories like elephants too 
Easy peasy doing the piglets ( I am talking KKs here mind    ) at 8-weeks pick 'em up with one arm & inject - simples, usually ok doing them before breeding at around a year old at feed time ( using Flubenol in-between time), but after that some of them - 2 of my sows especially - get wise to seeing a needle, so the slapshot for me is brill 
 

[Tudful Tamworths]

Just out of interest, do you get problems with airlocks in the Slapshot? If so, how do you remedy this? I haven't used mine for a while because, with smaller amounts, I found I was getting part of the dose left in the tube.

[P6te]

Just out of interest, do you get problems with airlocks in the Slapshot? If so, how do you remedy this? I haven't used mine for a while because, with smaller amounts, I found I was getting part of the dose left in the tube.

I've had the same issue when using Slap Shot, with larger doses in larger syringes (7.5ml in 15ml syringe) it was less of an issue as I just drew up sufficient to eliminate the air but when injecting 1.5ml in a 5ml syringe I had air in the pipe that took a while to rise up the tube (I hung the syringe by the collar on slap shot and 'flicked' the tube).  The tube alone takes approx 2ml.  I too would be pleased to hear how others get on.  That said, I've only used it 3 times and it made injecting 100% easier and the pigs barely noticed and certainly didn't associate what was happening with me!
Pete