Needle size - long or short?

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zea14

zea14

Member Since 2013
Our vet recommended a long needle to begin learning the insulin stick but the pharmacy didn't have them in stock and said the shorter ones would be just fine. Kobe takes his shots with ease but would the longer needle be better for more accuracy/penetration?

Seeing the vet tomorrow to discuss changing from Humilin N to Lantus.
 
Short needles are fine..... I actually find them much easier, some others may disagree. You only need to get the insulin underneath the skin/fat layer, not into the muscle, so unless your cat has a particularly thick hide, the short needles shouldn't present any problem.

ETA: I was very reticent initially to switch to short needles, because at that point I was shooting the ruff (back of the neck), when I switched to the short needles, I switched also to rotating thru the flank in sections. This Page has a decent diagram of where to shoot if you are unfamiliar.
 
I prefer the longer needles, but I'm the odd man out in these parts because most people prefer the shorter. What I think it comes down to is strictly technique. For whatever reason, I'm a better shot with the long needles. My brother, on the other hand, does better with the short needles. Try out the short needles and if you find you're having difficulties, try out the long needles. They may work better...or worse. :lol:

ETA: I actually started with the short needles and then my pharmacy sold me the long ones by mistake. All of my difficulties and fur shots disappeared and I found it a much easier time giving shots, as did Mikey receiving them.
 
I love the shorties. I have been handling needles for over 35 years and I still ending messing up (going through the other side) with longer needles.
 
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