Advice on needle/syringe selection

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Barb & Mr. Frog

Member Since 2013
Ok, so I have been searching thru the list of syringes available at ADW (found thru the shop link here)

My problem : The needles the vet gave me were U40 1/2" (29g), I really don't want to go back to those because U100 looks to be a much more accurate way of dosing.

I bought a small pack of u100 from walmart, but I really don't like these, as they are very short (5/16, or 8mm) and I feel like I am barely making it all the way thru his skin/fur. These are 31g, which I bought to reduce the feeling that I was 'puncturing' him each time (I assume that if it is easier for me to slide in, it is also MUCH more comfortable for him), but the shortness really bugs me. These also do not have half unit markings, so I feel like I may be doing him harm by not being able to be as consistent, since I am eyeballing to get the dose.

I need to buy more, and I would like to buy alot so that I don't have to worry about it again soon, but ... I can't seem to find a needle that is so fine (31g) AND more than 8mm... is that something that simply isn't made? Should I go with a larger needle (29 or 30g) to get the longer one, or should I just assume that the shorter one gets in 'far enough' and stick with the finer gauge needle? Any recommendations, advice or observations on this subject would be welcome
 
Thanks, I had already read that post, but it really doesn't help me in terms of my concerns about the length vs gauge of the needle.
 
Larry and Kitties said:
If you want the 1/2 inch length those only come in 30 gauge and lower (larger diameter). A 31 gauge with a 1/2 inch length would bend too easily.
http://www.bd.com/us/diabetes/page.aspx ... 02&id=7405
Click to expand...

Thank you, that is what I was finding (or not finding as the case may be)

Ok so, Now my question becomes .... Is 30g fine enough for all the time use? Are my concerns about the short needle unimportant? How do you know if it is 'long enough' ? Do you all use the 5/16 (8mm) needles with no problems?
 
I use 1/2 inch (12.7mm) 29 gauge and 30 gauge and 5/16 (8mm)31 gauge I also just got some very short 15/64 (6mm) 31 gauge but have not yet used them. They were (will be free) when I get the rebate back.
 
I use the short needles with my Autumn and she is a long haired double coated girl, because the couple of times that I have used the 1/2inch needles I had a lot of problems with shooting all the way through the tent and thus ending up with fur shots. What I do is pull up the skin, blow gently to reveal her skin and then shoot, I've never had a problem with not getting deep enough with the short needles.

I also don't shoot into the scruff as Autumn has some pretty thick skin on her neck, thanks to someone before I adopted her shooting her and filling her shoulders and face with BBs so she has lots of scar tissue there, I shoot along her sides back by her hind legs where the skin is thinner.

Mel, Maxwell, Autumn & The Fur Gang
 
I didn't realize I could give him his shot in other locations. The vet told me to put it in the ruff because they are less sensitive there.

So, to recap, I only have to get the insulin under his skin, and I can use any area where I can lift the skin enough to accomplish this? That would make using the shorter needle much more reasonable, if so.
 
Hillary & Maui said:
Remember when you use the U100 syringes - you need to also use the conversion chart, so that you are giving the correct amount of Prozinc. The U40 and U100 syringes are not equal and do require the conversion on U100 only:

http://gorbzilla.com/conversion_calculator.htm

This will ensure you give the correct amount of insulin each time.
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Yes, I have been doing this, but it is still very hard to 'guess' at half or quarters without the extra marks there.
 
of course, which is why the U100 wth 1/2 unit markings helps. walmart does sell this type - they don't always know they have it but they do - just be sure to check it before buying.
 
Here is a link to injection spots You will also want to rotate where you give the shots if you can (some cats will let you, others won't) to help keep the spot from building up scar tissue.

With Autumn the am shot I use the right side and the pm shot goes in the left side. But where I'm shooting is what is marked as flank on the diagram I linked to you. Hope that helps.

Mel, Maxwell, Autumn & The Fur Gang
 
MommaOfMuse said:
Here is a link to injection spots You will also want to rotate where you give the shots if you can (some cats will let you, others won't) to help keep the spot from building up scar tissue.

With Autumn the am shot I use the right side and the pm shot goes in the left side. But where I'm shooting is what is marked as flank on the diagram I linked to you. Hope that helps.

Mel, Maxwell, Autumn & The Fur Gang
Click to expand...


Thank you very much, that link is very helpful!
 
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