I gave my pregnet mare her 7 month needle and her neck swelled up the size of a small egg.I have always needled my horses and this has never happened before.I don`t know if it burst or she rubbed it but a couple of days later when I checked it, the lunp was gone and there was sign of an infection.I have since got it cleaned up with some antibiotic lotion.My question is what would have caused this?I`m alittle timit on giving her the rest of her needles in the neck so can these be givin` in the rump?
Jos
Posted on Monday, December 11, 2000 - 04:23 am:
Yes, it is OK - actually recommended - that most intramuscular injections be given in the lower portion of the rump (below the point of the rump) or in the chest. Be sure however not to go too low, so as to avoid tendons that run in the back of the upper portion of the leg.
Whenever an injection is given, there is the possibility of carrying infectious organisms that are present on the skin into the tissue along with the needle - there is no practical way of avoiding it. Using an alcohol swab first merely cuts down on the surface dirt - contrary to popular belief alcohol does not kill bacteria upon contact. It is probable therefore that you carried a little bacteria into the neck and an infection ocurred.
The idea behind giving the needle in the lower part of the rump or the chest is that if an infection does occur, it is easier for these regions to allow drainage as they are the "lowest points", so drainage will not be into tissue immediately below. The top of the rump for example has the whole of the rump tissue beneath it to form an abcess in, whereas an abcess in the chest will be able to drain straight out of an opening - I hope you can understand what I mean here.
It is however also possible that what you saw was simply a localised reaction to the shot which sometimes happens too and even if this were the case, an injection in one of the other sites is still preferable as an injection in the neck with even a mild reaction can cause neck stiffness and discomfort.
If I may interject here please excuse the pun. What it sounds like you had was a typical site reaction from a vaccination. This is not at all uncommon, as some vaccine manufacturers such as Fort Dodge use different carrier agents in their vaccines. These will sometimes precipitate out of solution and it's the carrier, not the vaccine that causes the site reaction. This can easily be avoided by simply drawing the plunger of the syringe back a little to form a small air pocket and shaking the vaccine up to get it all back into solution just before administration.
In addition I agree with Jos. There have been studies that show using alcohol to prep an injection site can actually increase the risk of carrying bacteria into the tissue with the needle. Since it wets the normally dry area actively causing the dust to adhere to the needle. In order for alcohol to effectively sterilize anything it must remain in contact with the site at full strength for 12 minutes minimum. I also agree with Jos's suggested injection sites.
HP
steph@mcmaster.ca (142.21.150.9)
Posted on Tuesday, December 18, 2001 - 02:08 pm:
So...to summarize, my mare requires vaccine for pneumococcus at 5, 7 and 9 months after conception. Then at 4 weeks prior to birth, requires a full set of shots (tetanus, potomac, flu, rabies). Is this correct?
Stephanie
TSQH (198.107.233.26)
Posted on Tuesday, January 01, 2002 - 11:16 am:
Yes, Your mare needs a Rhino shot at 5,7,and 9 months and a booster of everything 4to6 weeks before she foals. Make sure the Rhino is the KILLED type and safe for preg mares.
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