EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES
Techniques with dogs should be learned by observing an experienced person and then practicing the procedure under proper supervision. Potentially painful procedures should be practiced on inanimate models or cadavers since it is inhumane to use live animals until some skill is attained.
Intramuscular injections are given in the center of the large muscle group that lies posterior to the femur. Clean the site with an alcohol swab, then penetrate the skin into the muscle with a 20 to 22 gauge 1 inch needle. Draw back on the plunger (aspirate) to determine if the needle is in a vein. If blood appears the needle should be repositioned and the syringe again aspirated. The material can be injected when you are sure that the needle is properly placed.
