04/25/2025
STOP Injecting in the Hindquarters – There’s a Better Way!
Important for Veterinarians, Farmers, and Animal Caretakers
🐄🐎🐖🐐 Let’s Put Animal Health and Welfare First
As a veterinary doctor, I often see animals being injected in the hindquarters—a method that may seem convenient but can actually cause more harm than good. Whether it’s cattle, horses, pigs, goats, or other livestock, choosing the correct injection site is critical for effective treatment and animal comfort.
Why Should We Avoid Hindquarter Injections?
❌ More pain and stress – The hindquarters are highly mobile, making injections more painful and stressful.
❌ Higher risk of complications – This area has a greater chance of causing abscesses, muscle damage, and swelling.
❌ Poor drug absorption – Medications may absorb slowly or unevenly when injected in the wrong place.
❌ Animal welfare matters – Reducing pain and discomfort is part of responsible and humane animal care.
✅ A Better Option: Use the Neck Injection Triangle (when suitable)
The injection triangle is defined by:
🔺 Top: Nuchal ligament
🔻 Bottom: Cervical vertebrae
◀ Front: Shoulder blade
Benefits of neck injections:
Less pain
Better absorption
Lower risk of tissue damage
If the neck isn’t suitable for certain species, always consult species-specific guidelines or ask a veterinarian for the best injection site.
Recommended Needle Sizes for IM Injections:
✔ Small livestock (goats, young pigs, etc.): 1.2mm × 25mm
✔ Large animals (cattle, horses, etc.): 1.6mm × 25–38mm
Always:
Use clean, sharp needles
Inject at a 90° angle into the muscle
Let’s use correct injection techniques to promote faster healing, better treatment results, and animal well-being.
If you care for animals, follow these simple steps—they make a big difference.
Please share to spread awareness. Animals need gentle, informed hands.