Tigger & I need Injection Help

[Kristjanna]

I thought I would start a new thread for this.

previous thread:
http://www.pets.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=40183

I have started giving Tigger his injections, however it seems really difficult. The vet said we had to stick the needle in (after the pinch-tent thing) pull back and see if blood is there, if so pick a different spot, and if not push the plunger in and inject. This is very hard, I can't seem to keep a steady hand, and I'm obviously moving the needle and hurting him.

My question is, is it necessary to do the poke-pullout--then push in? Can't I just poke-and inject the insulin? That would be so much easier for me, and so much more comfortable for him. (I use the 1-time use needles)

any suggestions would be great, thanks everyone for the support and help you have given me

~Kristjanna

[Mocha's mum]

How long have you been giving the injections? It's a bit nerve racking and awkward at first, but over time you'll get the hang of it! I've never given an animal an injection, but I have given them to people.

The reason for the pull back is to make sure that you haven't accidentally gone into the vein or artery. Insulin is meant to be absorbed just under the skin - not injected directly into the blood stream. It's like when you get a needle in the arm. A lot of vaccinations and whatnot are meant to be absorbed through the muscle tissue (think of flu shots). When the nurse inserts the needle, he/she does a quick pull back to ensure the injection doesn't go directly into the blood.

I am unsure if there are any other kinds of insulin...I would talk with your vet if you continue to have trouble. A friend of mine has a diabetic cat, and the way they give him his insulin - I'd let them give me a needle any day!!

All I can say is, don't give up hope! It takes time and practice ( I was scared to death when I started to do needles), and one day you'll be a pro!!

[Kristjanna]

I hope it will get easier. So far I've given 2. (he just started) This morning though, I'm not even sure if he got the full shot he moved so fast. I'm just to slow, that's why I wanted to know I had to pull back. Because this is at the beginning, he is only at 1cc.
Right now I am feeling so overwhelmed, (as he is as well) I start to get that, "I can't do this" feeling, but I must!! I don't know... maybe I could make sure I have his skin only, really pinch up, then inject.....

totally overwhelmed,:sad:

Kristjanna

[Mocha's mum]

Don't give up!! It will take a bit of time for the both of you to adjust. With my friend's cat, he would run away for a while, and it would take two to do the injection. Now, he just sits there and deals with it (because he knows he has to!). He still doesn't like the blood sugar testing though...

Do you have anyone there to help you? Like hold him or pat him while you give the injection?

[Kristjanna]

Yes, my Fiancee Jeff has been helping me, with the petting while I do it etc...

I am going to have to learn how to do it myself though, as Jeff has to work overtime sometimes and would miss the 2nd injection by about 3 hours..

I know it gets easier, that's what I'm banking on, and that is what is getting me through this now, knowing that it will get easier for me, and that Tigger will feel a whole lot better.

[hazelrunpack]

Have you tried practicing with an empty needle? Next time you give him the injection, keep the empty needle and practice pulling back the plunger and then depressing it all the way until you can do it smoothly. You can use something like a pin cushion or an old stuffie to practice on. It might make you a little more confident in your abilities?

[CyberKitten]

I agree- do what we did in med school. Practice on an orange or a pin cushion (as someone already mentioned) or something soft - something with a pull in it so you can try the method for the diabetes needle. It's slightly different with inanimate objects of course but you don't have to worry about it being someone you love or you (of you are human diabetic and have to administer it to yourself.) I have taught children quite young to administer their own interferon injections and I myself learned very early in life since my grandmother was a diabetic who required 3 injections a day (yet still worked as a nurse).so I am sure you can do it!! Like many things, it just takes time and patience and commitment and in this case, lobe of your pet which you seem to have in spades!!

Some tips I would add ios make sure you don;t pinch - This is an intramuscular injection so you have to have enough skin but find an area where there is enough so you don't pinch/ Also. lift the skin up and notice the way the grain of the skin runs. Grab or get a hold of the flesh, starting with your fingers about 30mm (11/2 inches) apart and draw it together into a ridge like section. Rotate the syringe so that the taper of the needle is on one side: it must not be on top or beneath the needle.Do it quickly - so it's over before he notices it <g>- and smoothly into the skin.

With humans, we always ask patients to take a deep breath - only to take their mind off the needle - and keep talking so they forget about it. (especially kids!). But we can't tell pets to take a deep breath but you can divert his attention by talking to him.

If you really hate needles, there are always insulin pumps. Have you thought about this. Many diabetics use them now - even pets!

Good luck!!!!

Good luck!!

[Kristjanna]

Thanks Cyberkitten for the advice about "tenting" I think that is where I am going wrong, and why it is hurting him. I looked into the insulin pump, (some google searching) Wouldn't Tigger just kick it off? Either way I would like to learn for him, as I think it would make his life more still.. his life, and not so controlled.

Jeff did his injection tonight and Tigger didn't even notice, so I think for the first little bit I'll just let Jeff do it. I have to learn though because every 4 weeks Jeff works evenings and wouldn't be able to be here for his evening injection.

I also think he loves the treat he gets after a shot, hopefully the idea will grow on him soon.

Oh If he doesn't eat all his food in one sitting should I remove it? He is so used to snacking he will continue to eat what is left until it's gone. Which made this morning harder as he didn't really seem to eat anything, maybe 1/4 can.
Tigger and I thank you all for your help ^_^
~Kristjanna

[Kristjanna]

Tigger is doing fine, Jeff has been handling the shots, and all is well. Tigger doesn't notice at all. We even show him the needle first so he knows it's coming, and he seems to be ok with it. Thanks everyone for your support!

[CyberKitten]

That's wonderful K, so glad it is all working out!! I bet you'll get the knack soon as well!!! The best news is that he is OK! Give Tigger a pet for me and my 4 kitties!