Syringe needle length

[billr]

We bought some of the Reli-On syringes with 5/16" needle and .5U markings to aid in dosing, at the recommendation of the people on the board here. Now our Vet is telling us the 5/16" need is too short and that we should be using the 1/2" needles because the cat's skin is thick and the 5/16" needle may not go in far enough to be sub-c. I know people here are using 5/16" with great success, but I'm wondering if the Vet has a valid point.

 

[ohbell]

Re: Syringe eedle length

I could not use the longer needle. ALWAYS used the short ones and never had a problem. Hope this helps!

 

[Hillary & Maui (GA)]

I only used the short needles and had no issues with it. Actually after seeing both size needles side by side, I prefer the short needles. Remember you only need to lightly penetrate the skin, so as long as you tent the skin, poke in the "indent" of the tented skin, you are fine. After poking you can feel the area to see if it's wet or not, this will let you know whether you got it in ok.

there is nothing wrong with using short needles! It really comes down to personal preference, there is no right or wrong.

 

[Deb & Wink]

I liked the short needles better. 5/16" gave me a more comfortable feel in my slightly arthritic and stiff hands. Didn't seem like I was going to shoot out the other side of the tent. Wink has pretty long fur, and I had no issue with the shorter needles.

Personal preference, like Hillary said.

You vet is likely stating his personal preference, not a real life situation.

 

[Barb & Mr. Frog]

My vet initially gave me 1/2 inch syringes, so when I did switch to the 5/16 ones I was personally uncomfortable, because at the time (instructed by the vet) I was shooting into the ruff (back of his neck) After reading here about using the flank (side of the body) I switched, and the 5/16 needles are perfect, even Frog likes them better, he no longer complains (or even notices now) about the shot at all unless I forget to warm it between my fingers before shooting (I've read that cold insulin stings)

Here is a link to a picture that demonstrates where to shoot, and you should rotate the location you shoot at, so that it doesn't build up scar tissue which can affect insulin absorption. Sorry I don't recall who, but I do remember someone telling me they use a 'grid system', sectioning off the cat and shooting a particular section on a particular day... whatever works best for you tho (and your kitty)

 

[billr]

Thanks, everyone. I think we'll go back to the 5/16 and ignore the Vet's suggestion to use 1/2". We liked the shorter needle better, as well.

 

[Wendy&Tiggy(GA)]

I just want to chip in too - I prefer the shorted 5/16" needles with both my cats as I dont need to worry about tenting so much and they dont seem to feel it.

Now I did peek at your SS and it looks like the insulin is working too so no worries there. If anything the only issue I see is that you arent being consistent with the dose which is key for Lantus due to its nature . Lantus is a depot insulin so it needs a few days to build up in a cats system so you dont see the impact of a dose change for 2-3 days. And you havent let any dose really settle.

If your goal is remission or tight regulation you need to be a bit more stringent ... so can I suggest you go with 0.5 for 3-5 days and see where that takes you. Always test preshot and spot checks if possible during the day and one before bed. If he drops below 50 at any point then reduce to 0.25.

Wendy

 

[ohbell]

Just wanted to say, what a cute photo! My civvie Ittle Sista - says 'please' just like that for her treats! Matter of fact, all 3 of my girls do this when mommy has a treat and wants them to 'say please!' Just wanted you to know that is sooo darn cute!

 

[KPassa]

Just to be the lone opposition, I prefer the the long.

My vet initially wrote me out a prescription for the 5/16" and I used them the first month or so. When I ran out, I didn't have a new prescription yet and I couldn't remember what I had gotten before (went to a different/cheaper pharmacy). I ended up with the 1/2" and I immediately fell in love. All the difficulties I'd been having with fur shots and Michelangelo wincing occasionally and bent needles and broken needles completely disappeared.

I like to claim that it's Michelangelo who prefers the long needles, but I think it comes down to personal technique more so than anything. I still have half a box of the 5/16" left because my brother likes using the short when he's giving shots, but whenever I go to use them, I end up with a fur shot about 50% of the time. :roll: ohmygod_smile

 

[Anitafrnhamer]

I'm new to feline diabetes and far from an expert. I use the 5/16" syringes and have no problem at all. If the needle is penetrating the skin easily and there is no wetness afterward then I believe that is the end of the matter. I also had a difficult time with the 1/2" needles.

Anita and Squeaker

 

[billr]

I haven't been on for a few days, so thanks for all the replies.

@ohbell: thanks for the comment on the photo. He does that for his wet food, which used to be a treat, but is now his sole diet. If you lower the dish to where he can reach it, he'll raise his paw up and try to pull the plate down to the floor so he can eat. Super cute! I think the dog must have seen him doing that, because now she does it to (to a certain extent) when being fed.

@Wendy: we realized we weren't being consistent and starting doing that at 0.25U and maintained for 3 days, then went up to 0.5U starting last night. I appreciate the advice.

The one thing my wife dislikes about the ReliOn 5/16" syringes is that the plunger is stiffer than the Comfort brand 1/2" and it's hard to twist the plunger to fine tune the dose. The issue with the 1/2" is that they are not available in 0.5U markings and when you're doing below 1U, it's hard enough to measure with the 0.5U markings, much less the 1U markings. (I know there are aids such as a paper scale and calipers.)

 

[KPassa]

The one thing my wife dislikes about the ReliOn 5/16" syringes is that the plunger is stiffer than the Comfort brand 1/2" and it's hard to twist the plunger to fine tune the dose. The issue with the 1/2" is that they are not available in 0.5U markings and when you're doing below 1U, it's hard enough to measure with the 0.5U markings, much less the 1U markings. (I know there are aids such as a paper scale and calipers.)

The 1/2" ReliOn syringes I buy come with .5u markings. I'm not sure about the Comfort ones though.