Oregon Equine offers the following educational presentations. 
 
 
  • Equine Lameness
  • Equine Colic
  • Respiratory System
  • Vaccinations and De-worming
  •  

To schedule an educational seminar for your group or barn please call, 503-631-4100.

 

The following education articles are provided with permission from the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP). 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Poisonous Plants:

 

 

 

 

The following web sites have accurate information on a variety of topics.

 

 

 

 

How to administer intramuscular injections.

This information is from "Equine Emergencies Treatment and Procedures". James A Orsini, Thomas J Divers, Third edition. Pgs 7-8.


There are several large muscle groups that are suitable for drug administration.  The following should be considered.

- Small volumes (10 mls or less) may be administered in the neck in the indented triangular space that lies above the cervical vertebrae, below the nuchal ligament, and a handbreadth in front of the cranial border of the scapula.

- The lower halves of the semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles are suitable for large volumes.  Proper restraint of the horse is needed, and the person dispensing the drug should stand as close to the horse’s side (opposite the side of administration) to try and avoid personal injury. 

- Large volumes may also be administered in the pectoral muscles (pectoralis descendens) between the front limbs.

 

Procedure:

- Clean the site with an alcohol or chlorhexidine soaked swab (gauze) until the gross dirt is removed.

- Use a 1 1/2-inch, 22, 20, 18 gauge needle, depending upon the viscosity of the medication to be delivered.

-Quickly stick the needle through the skin up to the hub.

- Attach the drug-filled syringe to the needle and aspirate to ensure that the needle is not in a vessel.

- Ideally, inject no more than 5 to 10 mls in any one side.  For large volumes, the needle may be redirected without leaving the skin after each 5 to 10 ml aliquot.

- When dosing must be repeated, rotate between muscle groups to avoid repeated injury to any one muscle.

 

Complications:

-Abscess formation is an occasional complication.  Clean the skin thoroughly before injecting, and choose a site that is easily drained if this complication occurs.

-Clostridial myositis has been associated with the intramuscular administration of flunixin meglumine (and other drugs and vaccinations).  Always monitor the injection site for reactions.

-Muscle soreness, specifically neck soreness, is fairly common and is related to drug irritation and associated inflammation, the volume administered, and the site of administration.  Injection sites in high-motion areas should be avoided.  Avoid repeated intramuscular injections in foals. 

-Severe drug reactions can occur if certain drugs (e.g., penicillin G procaine) are injected accidentally in a vessel.

 

Note:  If you are not comfortable administering intramuscular medications please call for an appointment, 503-631-4100. 

 

 

Only a veterinarian should administer intravenous (IV) medications.