How to Vaccinate?

[Anianna]

We tried to give CD-T to our little herd of three goats today. We had no problem with our mom, she just stood there and was fine, but we had problems with the kids. They will sit quiet and still in our laps, but jump and flail as soon as the needle meets the skin and my husband would pull back and have to start all over. Is there a certain position that will minimize movement? The other problem is finding enough skin to pinch up. Do you guys have any tips for safely vaccinating jumpy little kids?

 

[animalmom]

Oh, Oh, Teacher! Me, me, call me I've got your answer, call me!!!

Really, though, I have to credit my vet with this technique: Pinching some skin on a baby goat is difficult at best, but once you have a little pinch draw the pinch onto the needle instead of inserting the needle into the skin. I have no idea why it works, but it does.

Second technique is to pinch up a little skin under the arm. Seems all of them have a little extra skin there and draw that onto the needle.

I always talk a blue streak to the little beastie as to keep it distracted.

Always helps if there are two of you to do this, but I can get it done with just me, the needle and the goatie.

 

[Anianna]

Thanks, I'll remember that when I give it a try.

I may have to try to do it by myself. My husband is too timid about it (he doesn't like hurting them and is afraid to slip and hit me) so he doesn't just do it. Perhaps I should put the baby in the milking stanchion so at least its head is held and it's not going to run away. I know not to be timid about it, but I don't know if that means I won't be. :/

 

[elevan]

I actually give the kids (pygmy - so small) their vaccinations IM in the inner thigh. Just have my DH hold them in cradle fashion and I grab their leg and inject.

 

[lilhill]

Hubby Holds the kids in his lap with them in the sitting up position and holding the front leg up just enough to allow me to pull the loose skin under that leg enough to put the needle in and inject. Most kids don't mind it at all, but one or two (mostly buck kids) are drama queens (or kings) and act like I am killing them. I think it is more the holding than the needle.