Re: Urgent: Comments Wanted: Reuben-2 fur shots - shoot earl
I think we all have done it one time or another and more than once. I'm certainly no stranger to fur shots. :lol:
I don't know if you are using long or short needles. I prefer short needles. I find with the long ones you can go through the skin and come out the other side if you're not careful and also it's more painful. You want to pinch the fur/skin by the scruff of the neck, a little further back, where the skin is fatter and you can grab a fat roll easily if you're having a hard time. You'll see the skin tent at the bottom of where you grabbed. Take your time. I pet and rub Racci's back and grab a few times in between rubs until I'm satisfied with the piece I grabbed. You can also grab a thin amount of skin but it makes it harder not to go through it. When you're ready to shoot, turn your needle to the spot where you can see the chiseling on the tip and that should be the top when it goes in. Then put the needle in from the bottom in the tented indentation or right above it pointing up with the skin, not straight ahead and release it when you feel comfortable. Unless your cat is fighting, take your time.
It's important to remember to point the needle up towards his head not straight ahead so you don't get muscles or anything that will hurt or go thru the skin if you have a thin piece of flesh.
Another thing that might help is to try to feed Reuben water right before the shot. It's very hard to grab skin on a dehydrated cat. The better hydrated he is the easier it will be.
I also warm the insulin in the syringe by holding it in my fingers a few minutes before shooting. It makes a big difference in comfort for the kitties.
Please let me know if anything is unclear or if you have any questions. Good luck getting back on schedule and getting his #s back down.
Melanie & Racci
