How to Administer Horse Vaccines
Many horse owners give vaccinations to their horses themselves to save on time and money. The majority of vaccines are intramuscular (IM) injections (although some may be given as a subcutaneous injection, or underneath the skin). When given properly, most horses will accept this---although some can be "needle shy." Many vaccinations are giving yearly, and some seasonally. Here is how to give a vaccine as an IM injection.
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Instructions
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Consult your veterinarian about the type of vaccine and dose before giving the vaccine to your horse. Research the possible reactions your horse could have and have a plan of action in case a reaction occurs. Read the label on the bottle to double check you have the correct drug.
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Collect supplies. In addition to the vaccine itself, you will also need a sterile needle and syringe. For young horses, or horses known to be a little difficult, you may need a handler to assist. According to Cynthia A. McCall, Extension Animal Scientist at Auburn University, most IM shots are given to adult horses with a 1-1/2-inch needle. Attach the needle and syringe. Fill your syringe with the vaccine. You should follow your veterinarian's instructions on the correct dosage. At this stage, many horse owners will check the loaded syringe for air bubbles. If there are bubbles, hold the syringe upright (with the needle pointed up) and tap the syringe until the bubbles float to the top. Gently push the plunger to push the bubbles out. If there are many air bubbles, you may need to empty the vaccine back into the bottle and redraw into the syringe.
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Brush any dirt off the injection site. Horse owners and veterinarians do not commonly clean the area with antiseptic. Choose an injection site that is actively used (such as the back of the neck or the rump). This decreases the chances of swelling and soreness.
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Insert the needle perpendicular to the skin. Push the needle into the muscle all the way to where the needle attaches to the syringe. Pull back on the syringe plunger to ensure you are not in a blood vessel. If you are not, then slowly inject the vaccine. If blood comes back into the syringe, you are in a vessel and will need to start over with a clean needle.
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Tips & Warnings
For horses that are fussy about having the needle inserted, it may help to pinch the skin at the injection site a few seconds before inserting the needle. While holding the pinched skin, insert the needle directing next to it. Make sure to properly dispose of your needles.
According to Cynthia A. McCall, "improper drug handling and injection techniques can result in infections such as needle abscesses, life-threatening drug reactions such as anaphylactic (allergic) shock, and ineffective drugs or vaccines." Call your veterinarian if your horse has a reaction to the injection. Sometimes horses will develop swelling, soreness or abscesses at the site of the injection so keep your eyes open for these possibilities.
