How to Give an Injection to a Horse

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To give a subcutaneous shot, pinch some skin between your fingers and shoot directly into the fold. Inset shows proper way to fill a syringe.
To give a subcutaneous shot, pinch some skin between your fingers and shoot directly into the fold. Inset shows proper way to fill a syringe.
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Intramuscular shots can be given in the rump, but — unless you know the animal won't buck — the neck (inset) is probably a better choice.
Intramuscular shots can be given in the rump, but — unless you know the animal won't buck — the neck (inset) is probably a better choice.

For many folks, buying that first horse (or cow, or goat) is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. And for some, the veterinarian bills that follow can soon turn into a nightmare.

“There’s an easy way to cut some of those medical expenses quite drastically, however,” say Ron and Linda Martin of Imbler, Oregon. “Namely, perform your own injections!” The Martins speak from experience: They recently gave their horse–Long John Silver–both antibiotic and tetanus shots after the animal suffered a deep puncture wound on some hidden barbed wire. Here’s how they did it:

First, the couple asked their vet–who had treated Long John before–what drugs to buy, what dosages to give, the gauge of needle to use, etc.

Next, Ron and Linda searched the Yellow Pages for the address of the nearest veterinary supply house, and drove out to the establishment. There, they bought the following equipment:

Supplies You’ll Need to Give Horse Injections

  • Published on Jan 1, 1977
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