1-855-957-8378
🚚 FREE SHIPPING on All U.S. Orders Over $200
Benefab®
Cart 0
  • Home
  • Shop

    Horse Products 17

    People Products 8

    Dog Products 4

    Bundles 5

  • Press
  • Blog
  • Pre-Loved
  • Dealers
  • Wishlist
Australia (AUD $)
Belgium (EUR €)
Canada (CAD $)
Costa Rica (CRC ₡)
Czechia (CZK Kč)
France (EUR €)
Germany (EUR €)
Italy (EUR €)
Japan (JPY ¥)
New Zealand (NZD $)
United Kingdom (GBP £)
United States (USD $)
English
Benefab®
  • Shop

    Horse Products 17

    People Products 8

    Dog Products 4

    Bundles 5

  • Press
  • Blog
  • Pre-Loved
  • Dealers
Wishlist Cart 0

Search our store

Benefab®
Wishlist Cart 0
Home / Blog
Blog

Horse Care: Four Intramuscular Injection Sites

Jan 13, 2015
Horse Care: Four Intramuscular Injection Sites
4 injection sitesMost injections are given by a veterinarian; however, there are some instances when horse owners are responsible for giving an injection. Safely administering an injection is extremely important for your horse. An intramuscular injection (IM) is the most common type of injection given to horses. IM injections are given deep into a large muscle mass. There are four main injections sites used when giving an IM injection. These sites are chosen because there is no danger of hitting a bone, ligament, nerve, or blood vessel. Intramuscular injection sites also promote drug absorption and decrease the chance of swelling and pain at the injection site.
  1. Base of the neck – This is the most favored injection site for horse handles. It is easy to administer the drug from this location and the administrator is relatively safe as they are located by the horse’s shoulder. The easiest way to locate an appropriate injection site is to place the heel of your hand at the base of the horse’s neck where his neck joins his shoulder. The area that is covered by your palm is site where the injection should be done.
  1. Pectoral muscles – The pectoral muscles are located in the chest of a horse. This site is a little risky for the administrator because they must place themselves in the front of the horse to see the site clearly. The pectoral site is generally only used when the horse has received previous injections and those sites are sore. However, this site drains very well. The injection site is the bunchy muscles that are located on the lower half of the chest between the tops of the forelegs
  1. Buttocks – The buttocks is a good injection site because this muscle is used every time the horse takes a step. This forces the horse to use this muscle instead of “babying” it. The biggest drawback to this site is the risk of the administrator. The administrator is located in the kick range when giving this injection. The injection site is found by locating the bony protrusion on the horse’s hip. Once this site is located, drop about one inch lower and inject anywhere in the muscle mass along the back of the leg.
  1. Top of the rump – The top of the rump is another very common injection site. The biggest drawback to this site is the poor drainage associated with a needle abscess. If an infection occurs, it is not easily treated. However, this site keeps the administrator relatively safe while giving the injection. This injection should be given on the intersection line of the tail head and point of hip and the top of croup and point of buttocks.
When giving an IM injection, you must consider your experience, the injection site, and the horse’s attitude towards injections. Some horses may be afraid of needles. If this is the case, you may want someone more experienced to administer the injection. Get your vet’s approval before any injections are given. For more information on IM injections, visit: http://www.extension.org/pages/29835/how-to-give-your-horse-an-intramuscular-injection#.VK9IQmRDtgo
Previous
Horse Behavior: How to read your horse's skin
Next
Leasing A Horse: 7 things that must be the contract

Related Articles

Chia Seeds for Horses
May 22, 2025

Chia Seeds for Horses

Chia seeds are a great supplement to any diet. They are small seeds harvested from...
Read more
Common Diseases of Cattle
May 08, 2025

Common Diseases of Cattle

Cattle health can change quickly, and sometimes without warning. Raising cattle can be challenging, but...
Read more
White Line Disease in Horses
April 25, 2025

White Line Disease in Horses

What is White Line Disease? The white line is the area of the hoof where...
Read more
What Causes Diabetes in Dogs?
April 10, 2025

What Causes Diabetes in Dogs?

Just like people, dogs can develop diabetes. Understanding the causes of this disease is the...
Read more

Recent Posts

Chia Seeds for Horses
Chia Seeds for Horses
Common Diseases of Cattle
Common Diseases of Cattle
White Line Disease in Horses
White Line Disease in Horses
What Causes Diabetes in Dogs?
What Causes Diabetes in Dogs?
Can Horses Have Allergies?
Can Horses Have Allergies?
What You Need to Know About White Muscle Disease in Cattle
What You Need to Know About White Muscle Disease in Cattle
Dog Hip Dysplasia Home Treatment
Dog Hip Dysplasia Home Treatment
What Is Cushing’s Disease in Horses?
What Is Cushing’s Disease in Horses?
Mastering the Show Ring: Understanding Showing Cattle
Mastering the Show Ring: Understanding Showing Cattle
What You Need to Know About Vitamin D for Your Dogs
What You Need to Know About Vitamin D for Your Dogs

Focused &
Durable Designs

Products made specifically for you and your pets.

Free U.S. Shippingon All Orders over $200

We have you covered.

We Back Our
Products 100%

It's our customer promise.

BRAND PARTNERS

  • Become a Dealer
  • Become an Affiliate
  • Become a Registered Nonprofit
  • Logins for Dealer
  • Logins for Affiliate
  • Affiliate Resources
  • Meet our Ambassadors

CUSTOMER SERVICE

  • Contact
  • Shipping
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Money Back Guarantee
  • Warranty & Return Policy
  • Medical / Brand Disclaimer
  • FAQs

ABOUT BENEFAB

  • Why Choose Benefab?
  • The Benefab Story
  • Parables Podcast
  • Our Sister Brands
  • Media Inquiries
  • Blog
© 2013 -2025 Benefab®. Property of the Naar Boven Corporation. All rights reserved. Powered by TCW Digital
Payment options:
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Visa

Confirm your age

Are you 18 years old or older?

Come back when you're older

Sorry, the content of this store can't be seen by a younger audience. Come back when you're older.