IACUC Learning Module - Cats

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INJECTION TECHNIQUES

Placement of needle for subcutaneous injection.

The loose skin over the shoulders and neck is an ideal site for subcutaneous injection.

Placement of intramuscular injection into quadriceps Intramuscular injections may be performed in the thigh muscles on the front of the rear limb, or more often, using the hamstring muscles on the back side of the rear leg. One must avoid hitting the sciatic nerve, so when injecting into the hamstring muscle group, be sure to direct the needle backwards, or caudal.
		Lateral cephalic venipuncture   The cephalic vein on the inside of the front limb below the knee may be used.

Medial saphenous injection The person performing the task should stretch out the lower rear leg (leg closest to the table) You (restrainer) should then take the hand holding the rear leg and simultaneously place a "karate chop" on the lower rear leg NOTE: This will allow you to occlude the vein When the person performing the task tells you to "release," DO NOT let go of the cat, simply relieve the pressure on the lower rear leg

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