[kate. x]

Hi> thought should start a new topic with this query rather than just tagging it on the end of my last post!
 
I am just about to start to give one of my lambs an antibiotic injection, I know it should go IM, inside hind leg but ........ any tips??
 
I am a nurse so have given many an injection but lambs are different!!
 
 

[Fleecewife]

I give IM injections in the outside of the back leg, taking the same precautions as with a person to avoid nerves and blood vessels.  You have to open up the wool to skin so it doesn't get caught in the point of the needle.   If injecting alone, I sit the sheep on its bottom, leaning against my legs, reach over and hold the back foot so leg is flexed and therefore relaxed, tap the skin a couple of times before injecting, then go ahead.  They usually try to kick just before you've finished     If the sheep is too large for that then I would crowd it into a corner, hold it with my body and inject as quickly as possible.   They are easier than people as they have no expectation of pain. 
Oh and they appreciate a treat afterwards, although the 'I was brave' sticker is optional 

[jaykay]

Exactly as Fleecewife describes  (I answered the same to your other post)

That's it, I am going to have to get some 'I was brave' stickers for my goats 

[kate. x]

As this is new to me, what on earth is a treat for a sheep???
 

[colliewoman]

As this is new to me, what on earth is a treat for a sheep???

Mine would tell you treats are gingernut biscuits or digestives

[kate. x]

I put him over my knee! Injections in and he didnt even flinch!! he is such a brave little boy!!! 
 
Thanks every one.

[jaykay]

Excellent - yes, that works well for a tiddler. I hope he got his ginger biscuit 
Lambs are very brave - unlike goat kids 

[plumseverywhere]

Some Goats are very vocal aren't they LOL!! scared me first time.


I'm an ex-RGN too and I think the thing that surprised me most was that the skin felt thicker, threw me slightly but kind of used to it now. I think I still say "sharp scratch coming...." and the sheep and goats just look at me oddly...

[SallyintNorth]

If your only concern is medication then I have nothing to add. 

If, however, this is a meat lamb and you are also concerned about meat quality, then anywhere on the back leg is a risk as an abcess can form at the injection site.  In that case, top of the rump is best, between the hip bones. 

With very young lambs you probably can't find enough muscle to do i/m anywhere but the gigot - but in a teeny one, sub-cutaneous comes to much the same, so in a wee meat lamb, do that.

[Fleecewife]

Good point Sally  .  We have so few destined for meat, and rarely inject them for anything, so I forgot.  I have never had a problem with an injection site though (smug  ) so that's my excuse