Injection Reference

Reference factsheet on correct injection procedures.

Subcutaneous (SQ): Deposits the Drug Under the Skin

• Inject only into clean, dry areas.
• Use the loose flaps of skin in the flank and elbow of small pigs.
• Use the loose skin behind the ear of sows.
• Slide needle under the skin away from the site of skin puncture before depositing the compound.

Preferred sites for SQ injection.

Intramuscular (IM): Deposits the Drug Into the Muscle

• Use a spot on the neck just behind and below the ear.
• The neck area should be used for IM injections. (See area outlined in figure to the right.)
• Damage to the ham or loin can result in condemnation of the meat cut.
• Use proper needle size to ensure medication is deposited in the muscle.

Preferred site for IM injections

Intraperitoneal (IP)

Should be used only upon veterinary instruction and guidance as serious injury to abdominal organs can occur.

Correct Injection Techniques

• Ensure proper restraint of the animal prior to injection.
• Ensure proper syringe adjustment.
• Ensure proper needle placement onto the syringe. Prevent swelling and/or abscessation at the injection site by:
  1. Using sterile needles.
  2. Injecting only into clean and dry areas.
  3. Preventing contamination—don’t use the same needle to inject pigs and remove product from multidose vials.

Consult with your veterinarian about potential adverse drug and vaccine reactions.

Needle Usage Guidelines

1. Correct needle use is not an option – it is a necessity.
2. Change the needle regularly.
   • A sharp needle minimizes tissue damage.
   • A sharp needle assists in delivering the product into the right site in the muscle or under the skin.
   • To protect yourself and others, safely remove and properly dispose of used needles.
   • Promptly get medical attention if accidental self-injection occurs.
3. Under normal use, a needle shaft will not break but
   • If a needle bends during use, discard it.
   • Never use a needle that has been bent and restraightened.
4. If a needle breaks and you can’t retrieve it, mark or identify the pig.
   • Check with your packer about their policy for identifying and handling a pig that may have a physical hazard like a broken needle in its muscle.

Keep Accurate Records

Accurate records are essential to using animal health products like antibiotics correctly and judiciously. Judicious Use Guidelines (JUGs) and the PORK QUALITY ASSURANCE ^TM Program say written records of all treatments should:

• Be kept for at least 12 months following the marketing of the medicated animal
• Be used to evaluate the success of a treatment regimen and should include:
  1. identity of the animal(s) medicated
  2. date(s) of treatment
  3. name of medication administered
  4. who administered the medication
  5. amount of medication administered
  6. withdrawal time prior to slaughter
  7. name of the veterinarian giving directions, if use is other than what is indicated on the label

Reference to products in this publication is not intended to be an endorsement to the exclusion of others which may be similar. Persons using such products assume responsibility for their use in accordance with current directions of the manufacturer. The information represented herein is believed to be accurate but is in no way guaranteed. The authors, reviewers, and publishers assume no liability in connection with any use for the products discussed and make no warranty, expressed or implied, in that respect, nor can it be assumed that all safety measures are indicated herein or that additional measures may be required. The user therefore, must assume full responsibility, both as to persons and as to property, for the use of these materials including any which might be covered by patent. This material may be available in alternative formats.

Information developed for the Pork Information Gateway, a project of the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence supported fully by USDA/Agricultural Research Service, USDA/Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, Pork Checkoff, NPPC, state pork associations from Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Utah, and the Extension Services from several cooperating Land-Grant Institutions including Iowa State University, North Carolina State University, University of Minnesota, University of Illinois, University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, Purdue University, The Ohio State University, South Dakota State University, Kansas State University, Michigan State University, University of Wisconsin, Texas A & M University, Virginia Tech University, University of Tennessee, North Dakota State University, University of Georgia, University of Arkansas, and Colorado State University.