Can 29g needles injure my cat?

[Tadam’s Human]

Good morning, everyone! I just registered, I am JP from Canada. I’m the human of 14.5-year-old female cat named Tadam, who was recently diagnosed with diabetes.

Our first batch of syringes was from the pharmacy. Brand was BD, and 31g. I found that they didn’t glide really well (harder to measure), but I really liked the shorter, thinner needles. We developed a routine where Tadam goes in between the couch and a piece of furniture, and I can easily inject her. But now those syringes ran out and the vet gave me are thicker, longer 29g ones from Elimedical. They glide really well but I’m unsure about the needle.

Maybe it’s a coincidence, but now, Tad really dislikes the injections. She moves backwards and, as soon as the needle makes contact with the skin, she thrashes about, which makes it really hard to inject. It took me 4 tries this morning, and I think I ended up injecting it outside her body.

Oh, and wounds have appeared on her back, which I’m getting checked out later today.

I guess my question is: is it possible that the 29g needles hurt my cat, while the 31g were totally fine?

(I’ve ordered 31g needles from Elimedical, but they won’t deliver until January. I think I’ll try to go to the pharmacy and see if they have any BD 31g ones left, even if they don’t measure as well.)

Thank you and have a nice day!

 

[Lisa and Witn (GA)]

You can use them. Because they are a little thicker than the 31 guage Tadam probably notices it more.

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

They won't hurt her but they are likely uncomfortable. Insulin syringe are quite thin.

I'm surprised the pharmacy didn't suggest a 30 gauge. I'm not sure where you can mail order from in Canada. Many people here order syringes online. Had you thought to try a different pharmacy?

 

[Tadam’s Human]

Thank you for the good words!

I went to a different pharmacy today and got some 31g. Hopefully it helps. Plus I ordered some from Elimedical, through Amazon. I’ll keep you updated.

 

[Chris and Checkers]

Hi, when I first switch to Lantus I didn't know where to find syringes with half unit markings in Canada. A Google search lead me 29g syringes from Elimedical from Amazon. I used them and were fine. Then I read somewhere here you can get 31g BD syringes at Walmart so I switched and I do notice it doesn't seem to bother Checkers as much. I also noticed the Elimedical syringes have longer needles too, the shorter ones seem to work better. These are U-100 though, is that what you need.

 

[Tadam’s Human]

Hi, when I first switch to Lantus I didn't know where to find syringes with half unit markings in Canada. A Google search lead me 29g syringes from Elimedical from Amazon. I used them and were fine. Then I read somewhere here you can get 31g BD syringes at Walmart so I switched and I do notice it doesn't seem to bother Checkers as much. I also noticed the Elimedical syringes have longer needles too, the shorter ones seem to work better. These are U-100 though, is that what you need.

Yes, U-100, that’s exactly what I need!

Thanks for sharing, I wanted to confirm it was not just in my head.

Elimedical (through Amazon) does have 31g with the shorter needles. My order is gonna take a few days more, so I got 31g ones from BD in the meantime.

As for the vet visit, I was asked to try injecting in the sides, and we’ll see how the wounds on the top evolve. They/I think I might be injuring her with the needle when she struggles.

 

[Chris and Checkers]

Do you distract her with treats when you give her insulin? Hopefully the new syringes will be better and she heals. Also do you try to inject in a slight different part of the scruff.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

Stating the obvious here. The higher the gauge number the thinner the syringe. The needle length is another matter, I used longer ones but only because my cats were extra long hair. There's always the danger you could go in too far. Basically whatever works for you is the right way, there are no rules, only guidelines.
In Ontario syringes are available at any pharmacy without a prescription, you're under no obligation to buy from either the vet or some official syringe.
I was taught to inject in the scruff but that creeped me out, too close to the eyes and the spine. When I moved to the flank with the cat on his side it all became easier. The testing should be the hard part, the injection a breeze.
One more condescending remark, I've known more than one person who reused syringes. As stupid as it sounds it does happen.
Hope this helps.

 

[Chris and Checkers]

Yes, U-100, that’s exactly what I need!

Thanks for sharing, I wanted to confirm it was not just in my head.

Elimedical (through Amazon) does have 31g with the shorter needles. My order is gonna take a few days more, so I got 31g ones from BD in the meantime.

As for the vet visit, I was asked to try injecting in the sides, and we’ll see how the wounds on the top evolve. They/I think I might be injuring her with the needle when she struggles.

Do you have a link to those ones on Amazon, maybe they don't cost as much as the Walmart ones. (I am spending enough on test strips already).

 

[Tadam’s Human]

Do you distract her with treats when you give her insulin? Hopefully the new syringes will be better and she heals. Also do you try to inject in a slight different part of the scruff.

I don’t distract her. I’ve tried injecting her while she eats but now she expects me and goes in her little corner next to the couch, which has become her injection place.

I try to pick different spots, yes. And obviously avoid the wounded patches of skin. As instructed by the vet, I’ll try to favor the sides.

 

[Tadam’s Human]

Stating the obvious here. The higher the gauge number the thinner the syringe. The needle length is another matter, I used longer ones but only because my cats were extra long hair. There's always the danger you could go in too far. Basically whatever works for you is the right way, there are no rules, only guidelines.
In Ontario syringes are available at any pharmacy without a prescription, you're under no obligation to buy from either the vet or some official syringe.
I was taught to inject in the scruff but that creeped me out, too close to the eyes and the spine. When I moved to the flank with the cat on his side it all became easier. The testing should be the hard part, the injection a breeze.
One more condescending remark, I've known more than one person who reused syringes. As stupid as it sounds it does happen.
Hope this helps.
View attachment 63304

It helps! Didn’t find it condescending at all. This is new for me, so even the obvious stuff is not so obvious. So thank you!

 

[Tadam’s Human]

Do you have a link to those ones on Amazon, maybe they don't cost as much as the Walmart ones. (I am spending enough on test strips already).

Sure thing!
https://www.amazon.ca/Seringue-vété...ison/dp/B08DP5KH8G/?tag=felinediabetesfdmb-20

 

[Tadam’s Human]

Update from tonight:

Tadam made me chase her around the house (including upstairs) but when I caught her and stored her in her little corner, she stayed calm. Braced herself at the approach of the syringe, but did not thrash about when it got inside her. She growled at me but she will be fine. She always forgives me within minutes.

So, improvement!

 

[Chris and Checkers]

Thanks for the link.

Maybe once it stops hurting and her wounds heal it will be easier.

But seriously though, try giving her treats. Checkers comes and reminds me when to test his blood glucose even though he dislikes it because he gets treats after.

 

[Christie & Maverick]

Hi JD and welcome! I might have missed it, but what insulin are you using? I'm in Canada as well, and I use the BD ultrafine 31G 8mm length, although they do have the shorter 6mm length available. I have been using these insulin syringes for well over 4 years and actually don't mind them. Are you priming the syringe - ie. pulling the plunger up and down a few times? That helps to distribute the lubricant in the syringe so that it glides better.

I would also suggest (again depending on what insulin you are using), that if you are able to feed your cat at the same time as you are giving insulin, that might be worth trying. I would just get the insulin ready, then get his meal organized - with Lantus and Levemir, from my experience, I was always able to inject very easily, since my kitty was busy with his nose in his bowl, eating his meal and doesn't even notice the poke.

 

[Tadam’s Human]

Hi JD and welcome! I might have missed it, but what insulin are you using? I'm in Canada as well, and I use the BD ultrafine 31G 8mm length, although they do have the shorter 6mm length available. I have been using these insulin syringes for well over 4 years and actually don't mind them. Are you priming the syringe - ie. pulling the plunger up and down a few times? That helps to distribute the lubricant in the syringe so that it glides better.

I would also suggest (again depending on what insulin you are using), that if you are able to feed your cat at the same time as you are giving insulin, that might be worth trying. I would just get the insulin ready, then get his meal organized - with Lantus and Levemir, from my experience, I was always able to inject very easily, since my kitty was busy with his nose in his bowl, eating his meal and doesn't even notice the poke.

hi there! I was given Lantus and it seems to be working. Still confirming the correct dose but it looks like it will be 3/4 unit. Not ideal, but 1/2 was not enough and and a full unit was too much.

As for the syringes, I’m using the exact same thing as you right now (that’s what they had at the pharmacy I went to) but I’m waiting for my shipment of Elimedical. 31g and 6mm.

I do prime the syringe but I find BD doesn’t slide as well as Elimedical. Both are great products, it’s just my preference.

 

[Noah & me (GA)]

She always forgives me within minutes

That's a really good sign. Forgiveness and trust only comes with intelligence, so much for cats being "stupid". As for being cornered cats generally feel more in control in a confined space with less distractions. We had eight other cats and a dog always wanting to see what was going on. Yah yah, same thing as before, go catch a mouse or chew a bone.
Have you tried tenting? You gently pinch a wad of flesh and slide the needle in on it's side. Not so easy on a skinny cat but we always had big chunky males.

mail order from in Canada

Mail order never really took off in Canada, no Chewy and many other top sellers. Many other Canadians here, who else would know what a TimBit was or that Céline Dion is the first wave of an alien invasion. Just west of Toronto I have two great vets and two places that board diabetic cats. Within sight of the "mountains" of Ontario.