HOLD THAT SYRINGE

Although many people give intramuscular injections to their horses themselves, I do not consider this an essential skill for owners and, in fact, I often prefer they not do it. So many things can go wrong with injections, from kicks during administration to infections later on, that I don’t think it’s worth the risk. I will show owners who really want to learn, but knowing how to give an injection “just in case” isn’t necessary: If there’s ever a situation where a horse must have an injectable medication and the owner is the only one around, there’s another option: Many emergency injectable medications can be delivered orally (just take the needle off the syringe and deliver it like a dewormer) and have the full effect with only a slight delay in absorption. Of course, you need to ask your veterinarian before you give your horse anything by mouth or injection.