Posted 2018-07-02 10:38 PM Subject: Gave Adequan shot..horse swollen
Elite Veteran
Posts: 863
So before anybody flames me I was hoping I gave the shot in the muscle correctly...I'm on my loading dose yet. Shot number 4 and I've been putting it in the chest (on breast area) and normally just get a few drops of blood afterwards. Well this evening I gave it right in the center area of her breast and it went in pretty hard. And drips blood quite a bit after. Now it's swollen about the size of a golf ball :( just the area I injected. Any suggestions? Should I call a vet tomorr morning? I'm not comfy giving shots in the rear end or neck so I was told this area would be ok. Now I feel horrible. She's acting fine but I'm wondering what's causing it to swell & why the shot went in so hard in the 1st place. Thank you
Posted 2018-07-03 6:27 AM Subject: RE: Gave Adequan shot..horse swollen
BHW Resident Surgeon
Posts: 25351 Location: Bastrop, Texas
You probably hit a blood vessel and now you have a hematoma.
As long as it’s not expanding, I’d leave it alone and just hose it off a few times a day. It should all just reabsorb over the next couple weeks. It’s always possible that it could become infected and turn into an abscess, so keep an eye on it for that. I’d resist the temptation to stick any needles in it or drain it, because that will just increase the risk of infection. A golf ball sized hematoma isn’t very big.
Posted 2018-07-03 7:15 AM Subject: RE: Gave Adequan shot..horse swollen
Elite Veteran
Posts: 863
Thanks for explaining this. Any suggestions where to give this IM so I don't risk this again? Maybe lower in the chest? Sorry this is new to me this year- I never give any shots of any sort myself:(
Posted 2018-07-04 12:27 AM Subject: RE: Gave Adequan shot..horse swollen
Take a Picture
Posts: 12838
That is not a muscle that gets a lot of action. Not a good place to give an injection. Also remember that gravity pulls everything down. You are probably ok and may take awhile for swelling to go down. Give injections in a muscle that gets used more in the future
Posted 2018-07-05 1:59 PM Subject: RE: Gave Adequan shot..horse swollen
Accident Prone
Posts: 22277 Location: 100 miles from Nowhere, AR
I was told when giving shots in the chest to give it in one pect or the other, not in the middle. I personally like to alternate around to different spots, so I'm not hitting the same area every time. Some horses don't care for butt shots, but I'm not sure why you're hesitant about using the neck?
Posted 2018-07-05 2:12 PM Subject: RE: Gave Adequan shot..horse swollen
Not Afraid to Work
Posts: 4717
dRowe - 2018-07-03 7:52 AM
I did all my adequan shots in the neck. I alternated sides with each shot.
This is what I did. I would try and find someone to do your shots for you if you're that uncomfortable. I don't do them a lot so I had a vet tech friend supervise the first few.
Posted 2018-07-05 2:29 PM Subject: RE: Gave Adequan shot..horse swollen
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1182 Location: Do I hear Banjos?
I prefer semitendinosus (hamstring) muscle for injections of any volume over say 1-2ml (those go in the neck)...but then...I know my horses are tolerant and I have a lot of practice. Hamstring is a high motion muscle and they work it out of the area pretty quickly. Also it drains well if there is an issue. Whatever muscle you use...be sure to aspirate before injecting. If you get blood back into the needle...you have managed to hit a vessel. And yes...alternate sites.
Posted 2018-07-05 9:15 PM Subject: RE: Gave Adequan shot..horse swollen
Elite Veteran
Posts: 883 Location: Southern Indiana
Just give them in the neck...as someone who doesn’t like to give shots...it’s soooo much easier! Just make sure you feel around for muscle. Have the vet show if you end up making a visit.
Posted 2018-07-06 10:52 PM Subject: RE: Gave Adequan shot..horse swollen
Elite Veteran
Posts: 863
TheDutchMan01 - 2018-07-05 9:15 PM
Just give them in the neck...as someone who doesn’t like to give shots...it’s soooo much easier! Just make sure you feel around for muscle. Have the vet show if you end up making a visit.
I have a vet out for chiro next week I'll ask where in the neck. I know my friend was doing this and she got a huge abcess on her neck last year! It was given too high up on the crest of her neck I guess? I just don't know WHERE on the neck is safe is my problem
Gave Adequan shot..horse swollen
