INJECTIONS   I've included this information in hopes of making it a bit easier for those times when injections are needed.. I would be very sure that I'm calm and not afraid before I try this procedure. This is the fastest and best way to medicate a very sick bird. We find that injecting them in the thickest part of the thigh works well for us.  We inject the medication slowly, and rub the area for minutes to help move the medicine around.. Also, be sure that if shots are needed for more than one day at a time, that you rotate legs and areas of the legs as not to cripple the birds.... If you need anymore help, give me a yell and I'll see if I can help more..   There are three injection sites commonly used in birds: IV, IM and SQ; Intravenous (IV) - mainly performed on the alar vein located at the "elbow," (the humeral-radial-ulnar junction), on the underneath, or ventral aspect of the wing. Intramuscular (IM) - mainly performed on the breast muscle that is on either side of the prominent ridge of the sternum or keel bone. If performed on the thigh muscle, be certain to remember the possible toxic effects due to the renal portal system. If multiple injections need to be administered, vary the injection sites as much as possible.  Subcutaneous (SQ) - mainly performed in the loose skin covering the keel bone. Blood can be collected by using a small 21- to 25-gauge needle, and collecting the blood into a heparinized syringe or micro hematocrit tube held to the hub of the needle. Do not try to hook a syringe onto the needle and aspirate - this usually will collapse the vein. Normal, healthy birds can lose 1% (1 ml blood/100 gm body weight) of their body weight in blood without any harm. Jugular Vein - The right jugular vein is used because it is fairly prominent (many bird species lack a left jugular vein). A featherless track of skin overlying the right jugular vein can often be seen. Collection at this site often leads to the formation of a large hematoma because the vein is very movable and there is a large amount of subcutaneous space in the area. In dwelling catheterization is possible if multiple sampling is needed. Medial Metatarsal Vein - This vein is found on the medial side of the lower leg. When it is available, this vein is the site of choice for blood sampling in birds. The vein is surrounded by muscles thereby minimizing the chances of hematoma formation. injection information provided from a leaflet donated by: Dr.Ray Jones DVM Jonesboro, Ar For use on The Gander Gab All rights reserved ©copyright 2002   A Bee bg