from http://leerburg.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=321394&page=0#Post321394


The vet called and Cody has the low folate and cabalamin levels. They are planning on giving him a shot of B12 tomorrow and one every week for 6 weeks, then go to one per month. They are going to give me instructions on how to give injections to him. I am nervous, hope I don't do something dangerous to him.
And since his hospital visit in 2010 hates the vet. Soon he will be unhappy with me too, but I have to try and help him.

Thanks for all the advise I appreciate it. I am trying to gather as much info as I can. they are treating him for gastroesophageal reflux disease while we are waiting to figure out what is going on, or the causes.
Just wanted to share this info in case it can help someone in the future.
Here is a list of his medications: Pepcid Ac, 5 mg. Metoclopramide 5 mg. it is an antiemetic. Does have some possible side effects: change in behavior, disorientation and constipation. If any of these happen call the vet.
Sucralfate 250 mg.
and now the b12 shots
His symptoms were vomiting, he never had loose stools. He also had the symptom of upset stomach each morning and loud gurgling sounds coming from his stomach.
diet; bland, boiled chicken and rice/ or a little cottage cheese (fat free/lowfat)
Hope this is helpful. Thanks for caring and responding to my help for info. Thanks connie.
Sharon.

Edited by Connie Sutherland (03/11/2011 10:45 AM)
Edit reason: mod insert URL

Injections seem scary, but they're actually pretty hard to screw up.

We have plenty of vet techs to help if you need more info, as well as this one really weird dude who gives himself shots every 10 days. Weird guy... I think he has a German Shepherd...

Oh wait, it's me!

It'll be okay. We'll still be here.

Isn't it a dark sable GSD too? With some silly nickname? ROFL.

All joking aside, injections are simple. It'll save you lots of money in the long run! B12 is light sensitive, so it needs to be kept in an amber bottle, and most vets then wrap the bottle in vetwrap to offer more protection. Use a new needle every time. (You can save one to use to draw up the liquid, and reuse it if you'd like.)... but every time you're going to poke Cody PLEASE use a new needle, and get the smallest gauge your vet has. Less pain/pinch will make it all much easier.

About the metaclopromide, personally I've never seen any of the side effects. Of course keep your eyes out for anything your vet warns you to watch for, but I would not be too concerned.

Good luck!

Dear Sharon-
Regarding the injections- It will be "OK". Have someone hold the dog for you, face away. Have the medication already to go before the helper picks up the dog. Be matter of fact, give a GREAT reward.
Anticipation of procedure ramps up the anxiety re-procedure and this in turn magnifies the pain. Like the hornet circling before it bites you, if you see the bee you get yourself in a state before it even stings.
With my dog and his ringworm treatments, my mistake was to try to do all this alone without help using only verbal corrections for the growling, which lead to escalation of his warnings, and my own reaction. By the end, my heart was pounding and he was growling when I was taking the cap off the ointment! So don't do that, get help, be all ready.
They will learn to accept anything, but you need help holding the dog.

I remember when Tasha got her puppy shots the vet used a great little trick.

She had the vet tech put a big glob of stinky wet food on a tongue depressor, and they held the pup back from it for a few seconds. Just as the vet was ready to give the shot, they let the puppy have the food.

The puppy had no idea anything had happened. It was pretty amazing.

Good luck, Sharon!:smile: And Cody!

Aaron is right, giving the shots aren't hard, you will get used to it. I give my female allergy shots every two weeks.

I was apprehensive at first, but that goes away. My Derm Vet tech showed me how at first. Plus she mentioned that it is helpful to give the shot in a space that is not theirs. Make them come to a place that is neutral, not a favorite place of theirs.
So, I just have her come into the kitchen and after she gets a great treat. When you do it in the scruff, she barely notices what even happened.
Wishing you and Cody all the best!

 Quote: betty landercasp

Dear Sharon-
Regarding the injections- It will be "OK". Have someone hold the dog for you, face away. Have the medication already to go before the helper picks up the dog. Be matter of fact, give a GREAT reward.
Anticipation of procedure ramps up the anxiety re-procedure and this in turn magnifies the pain. Like the hornet circling before it bites you, if you see the bee you get yourself in a state before it even stings.
With my dog and his ringworm treatments, my mistake was to try to do all this alone without help using only verbal corrections for the growling, which lead to escalation of his warnings, and my own reaction. By the end, my heart was pounding and he was growling when I was taking the cap off the ointment! So don't do that, get help, be all ready.
They will learn to accept anything, but you need help holding the dog.

All this, PLUS rehearse (alone)! See if everything you need is there, see what your movements will be, etc., etc. Be fast but deliberate and practiced, not tentative.

If you have calm muscle-memory, it's SO much smoother!

Calm, shoulders back, "I am in control."

JMO

Yes, if you are calm so will your dog be. Animals really pick up on your nervous energy, and this will effect how things continue to go.

I have to say we have never had any issues giving shots. I attribute that to just being matter of fact, calm and quick, but not in a hurry.
I really think once you get the hang of it, all will go smoothly.

You can do this Sharon, try not to worry.

Sharon, how is this going?

Your newer post reminded me about this.



From above: "His symptoms were vomiting, he never had loose stools. He also had the symptom of upset stomach each morning and loud gurgling sounds coming from his stomach ... "

What symptoms does he have now?

Has a diagnosis been mentioned (even tentative)?