Is getting the insulin just under the skin deep enough?

[PiePie]

Keaton seems to be ok if we pinch the skin a little and go in really flat with the needle. My husband and I are 100% sure the needle is going into his skin but not seeing any results with the insulin. He seems to be really sensitive to the needle on his skin, so the tenting method was leaving us with fur shots. We're going to check again in 2 hours (I wasn't sure the last time he ate so didn't PMPS today, obv stupid of me). Is it possible we need to get the needle in somehow/somewhere else? Or in the body is in the body period?

 

[Tanya and Ducia]

Or in the body is in the body period?

Hi, basically so - if got UNDER the skin - it's where it's supposed to go.
We use term "fur shot' or FS when the needle went thru the skin and insulin dose went out of the body.
(!!!In such cases never administer another dose).

 

[Jill & Alex (GA)]

Keaton seems to be ok if we pinch the skin a little and go in really flat with the needle.

You want to try to go in on a 45 degree angle when giving a subcutaneous injection.

 

[PiePie]

View attachment 35019

You want to try to go in on a 45 degree angle when giving a subcutaneous injection.

We're definitely closer to intradermal than subcutaneous. Does that matter in terms of the insulin effectiveness?

 

[Smokey and Jessica]

It definitely does matter. The easiest place to use the “tent” is in the scruff where the skin is loose. There’s also less chance of hitting any blood vessels with this method and location. You can do it other places, but it’s still recommended to pinch and pull up the skin, then inject at the base of the tent. Shaving the area really helps until you get the hang of it.

 

[Kris & Teasel]

I agree that if your injections have been closer to intradermal he might not be absorbing a full dose. I find that a very distinct tent shape in the skin where you can feel a little depression (the "tent door) at the front of it is the best configuration to have a successful shot -- and is less likely to pinch the kitty as it goes in.

 

[PiePie]

Thanks, I will try that today. AMPS was a complete disaster, tried just giving a little food and then picking up their bowl and it was a complete revolt, not holding still, no blood on first poke, pushed strip too far in and wasted it. I only gave them a 1/3 of their food to start. Any suggestions on a better way to do this? They are both so hungry when I get up and I don't want to upset him to the point of making is BG number higher than it really is.

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Thanks, I will try that today. AMPS was a complete disaster, tried just giving a little food and then picking up their bowl and it was a complete revolt, not holding still, no blood on first poke, pushed strip too far in and wasted it. I only gave them a 1/3 of their food to start. Any suggestions on a better way to do this? They are both so hungry when I get up and I don't want to upset him to the point of making is BG number higher than it really is.

One thing that can help is to try feeding a small snack just before you poke for a test. It might take the edge off so he's more cooperative and there won't be enough time for that food to hit his bloodstream and affect the PS test.

 

[PiePie]

One thing that can help is to try feeding a small snack just before you poke for a test. It might take the edge off so he's more cooperative and there won't be enough time for that food to hit his bloodstream and affect the PS test.

Thanks. I try some freeze dried chicken tomorrow. I think I did a better job with the shot, pulled skin up and injected straight in, though wasn't worried about it poking through because I didn't push the needle all the way in. If I get it more like 45 degrees, I still don't need to push the needle all the way in, right?
I gave myself subcutaneous shots for years and it wasn't this hard :-(

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Thanks. I try some freeze dried chicken tomorrow. I think I did a better job with the shot, pulled skin up and injected straight in, though wasn't worried about it poking through because I didn't push the needle all the way in. If I get it more like 45 degrees, I still don't need to push the needle all the way in, right?
I gave myself subcutaneous shots for years and it wasn't this hard :-(

I use 1/2" needles for Teasel and I push them all the way in up to the hub - less chance of missing the shot. If I'm properly into the tent door it works well.

 

[Prescott's friend]

I am worried about missing the skin completely. I have a long haired cat, and I'd give us a B/ B- after two-ish weeks of trying w prozinc. Between timing and my own nervousness I'm still feeling like a bad mom. That diagram is super helpful.

 

[JoyBee&Ravan]

Kris, I've been giving Ravan his shot just under the skin too. usually on either side.
What happens if you do inject into a vein?

I read the instructions on this web site
How to give Insulin to cats
"Most people, including veterinarians, make the mistake of injecting the insulin into the scruff of the neck. This area has a very poor blood supply and insulin absorption is thus rather erratic from this area. Use an area further back around the hips or flank or, ideally, on the sides of the stomach. Try to rotate sites also, because repeated injections in the same site can cause a "granuloma" or knot of tissue that has poor blood supply (which means the insulin isn't absorbed well)."

Smokey and Jessica are saying to inject into the scruff?

This gets more confusing every day!

 

[Kris & Teasel]

Kris, I've been giving Ravan his shot just under the skin too. usually on either side.
What happens if you do inject into a vein?

I read the instructions on this web site
How to give Insulin to cats
"Most people, including veterinarians, make the mistake of injecting the insulin into the scruff of the neck. This area has a very poor blood supply and insulin absorption is thus rather erratic from this area. Use an area further back around the hips or flank or, ideally, on the sides of the stomach. Try to rotate sites also, because repeated injections in the same site can cause a "granuloma" or knot of tissue that has poor blood supply (which means the insulin isn't absorbed well)."

Smokey and Jessica are saying to inject into the scruff?

This gets more confusing every day!

It depends on the person and the cat. Some use the scruff and it works, some use the sides. I use a number of spots on Teasel’s side.

 

[JoyBee&Ravan]

Thanks Kris,

 

[Smokey and Jessica]

Kris, I've been giving Ravan his shot just under the skin too. usually on either side.
What happens if you do inject into a vein?

I read the instructions on this web site
How to give Insulin to cats
"Most people, including veterinarians, make the mistake of injecting the insulin into the scruff of the neck. This area has a very poor blood supply and insulin absorption is thus rather erratic from this area. Use an area further back around the hips or flank or, ideally, on the sides of the stomach. Try to rotate sites also, because repeated injections in the same site can cause a "granuloma" or knot of tissue that has poor blood supply (which means the insulin isn't absorbed well)."

Smokey and Jessica are saying to inject into the scruff?

This gets more confusing every day!

My personal opinion is just the scruff is easier. Especially starting out since it’s loose and maneuverable. If you’re comfortable and kitty will tolerate it or it doesn’t seem to be effective then of course any of the other places are fine. Smokey is moody and kind of a butt sometimes so I like the scruff because it’s out of mouth range and he freezes when I grab it. It’s a matter of preference and response.

 

[JoyBee&Ravan]

Smokey and Jessica, Thanks for the reply!

 

[katiesmom]

We're definitely closer to intradermal than subcutaneous. Does that matter in terms of the insulin effectiveness?

I dont think I would worry about getting that 45 degree angle. There is a lot of variables, whether the cat is sitting or lying, if they are up on a counter, down on the floor and you are standing over them...etc.
I have been doing this a long time, and I dont think I have ever used a true 45 degree angle. That seems a little too steep for me. More like 20-30 degree is what I do.
Katie is usually on the counter, in front of me, so I dont really have to bend over her. I pull up the skin near the shoulders, and "feel" for the "front door" or indent of the tent with my other hand. I eyeball where I feel the indent, (try to separate the hair there slightly with my fingers if possible, you can try blowing on the hair to separate also) and give the injection in the middle of the tent at a slight, maybe 20 degree angle. Katie is usually crouched eating treats during this process.