Skin is thickening at injection site

[Danielle Hrubiak]

So I always rotate sides for AM and PM injections. I've been told to shoot in the shoulder blade area. It's always been a painless area for Abilene (as opposed to the hip area that they had me try). I try to grab a different chunk of skin in that same area each time but there are only so many different places to grab on her tiny back, so it's probable I do shoot in the same spots a lot.
Well recently I've noticed that the skin all the way across her shoulder blades has started to thicken. It's now harder for me to insert the needle and in some areas she now freaks out.

I know the purpose of switching up the injection spots is to avoid the scarring of the tissue, but is it normal at all for any amount of thickening/hardening at the injection areas? Or have I totally messed this up? And will it soften again or will it remain the way it is now?

 

[BJM]

Some scarring may happen; it may depend on the dose.
It is possible something else may be going on, so next time you're into the vet, ask.

Is that where she has received vaccines?

 

[purrdydolly]

Since she was only diagnosed in April it does seem odd to me that she'd have such noticeable and extensive scarring already. I would give the vet a call and ask about it. Don't go blaming yourself though, I don't see how it could be the result of operator error

Another good spot is the outer underarm area - but I would want to find out if something is going on to cause the reaction she's had before risking doing the same to another spot.

 

[Danielle Hrubiak]

Thanks for the replies!

From my knowledge, she hasn't had any vaccines in the scruff/shoulder area--I believe all have been in limbs. And she hasn't had any vaccines in a few years.

I sincerely wish I had a vet I trusted and felt confident with that I could call up or visit to inquire about this. Unfortunately, I haven't found anyone in my area... I've sort of deserted my current vet as they have been very harsh about me using a human meter and a nurse has gone to the extent of telling me not to bother home testing--after they increased Abby's dosage from 1 unit to 2 units. That gave me a horrible taste in my mouth about that practice so I dread going back for anything.

I thought it was rather soon for her to be developing scarring as well, but I don't know much about all of this and didn't know how long it takes for a cat to start forming scar tissue.
I really hope I didn't cause this, but I don't see what else could have? I make sure the insulin is warm before injecting as I heard cold insulin can cause scarring as well. So I'm at a loss... She doesn't show any signs of having a negative reaction to the insulin, just the hardening tissue?
And oddly, even when I brush her...I feel the difference in that skin and the bristles almost stop or bump over that area. It's really weird.
I hope nothing is wrong though. Maybe I'll do a little info searching online...