Page 212 - 2022 Ranger Medic Handbook

Canine Injection & IV Sites
IM INJECTION SITES:
Use a 20–22 gauge, 1-in. needle for IM and IV injections.
1. Thigh muscles: back of hind limb. Isolate the muscle belly mid-thigh and insert the needle at a 45-degree angle to
avoid hitting the sciatic nerve.
2. Back muscles: inject approximately three finger widths cranial to the wing of the ileum in the muscle on either side of
the spinous processes. Insert the needle at a 45-degree angle to avoid hitting bone.
IV SITES:
Use an 18-gauge IV catheter for MPC. Shave the area and clean before placing a catheter, if possible. Placement sites
listed below in order of ease and precedence.
1. Cephalic vein: located on the front of the forelimb between the elbow and carpus (wrist).
2. Lateral saphenous: vein on outside of the hind limb can be used if access to the cephalic vein is unsuccessful.
3. External jugular: located in jugular furrow on either side of the trachea. Pressure must be placed at the cardiac inlet
(near clavicle in people) to cause distension. Insert the catheter down away from the head. Insert blood collection
needle up toward the head.
IO SITES:
Easy IO 15mm or 25mm (either hand or power driven) work best. They cannot be used in the sternum of a dog. Humeral
head and proximal tibia are best, similar to human applications. Insert and set up the same as for humans. Placement
listed below in order of best flow.
1. Humerus: Place patient in lateral recumbency and kneel with spine against your legs. Firmly grasp the front limb at
the elbow to stabilize the limb. Drive the IO device into the flat, dorsolateral surface of the humeral head (top outside
surface) just behind the deltoid tuberosity (notch).
2. Tibia: Flat area on dorsomedial aspect of tibia (top inside shin near the knee joint) on the hind leg.
Jugular Cephalic Vein
Humerus -
SECTION 6
Lateral View
EZIO placement
caudal to deltoid
tuberosity
Deltoid
tuberosity

198 SECTION 6 MPC/CANINE TRAUMA & TACTICAL MEDICAL EMERGENCY PROTOCOLS