Message Number: YG1113 | New FHL Archives Search
From: ferrethealer@aol.com
Date: 2001-03-11 10:27:00 UTC
Subject: Fluid injections was Re: [Ferret-Health-list] Digest Number
53

In a message dated 03/11/01 1:28:37 AM Eastern Standard Time,
Ferret-Health-list@yahoogroups.com writes:

<< Sterility is not critical
since you're just injecting under the skin, not
into the bloodstream, or, at least that's how I
understand it. >>

I don't recommend reusing needles. First off, sterility *is* important here.
An abscess under the skin is still an abscess. Secondly, dull needles hurt.
And by the time that needle has passed through the rubber stopper and then
through a ferrets skin once, it's pretty dull. In fact, I often switch
needles after drawing up the fluids and before making the actual injection.
I also tend to use a 22 gauge needle rather than a 20 gauge. It's slightly
smaller, but that doesn't seem to interfere with fluid flow and does make the
injection slightly less painful.

Dr. Ruth
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