How can i make my snakes injections more comfortable?

[Pastelalice]

So today i just found out my ball python has an upper respiratory infection and needs injections for 15 days. She got her first injection from her vet today and FREAKED OUT. Obviously shes not gonna like being poked with a needle but is there any tricks to make this more comfortable for her?

[ManSlaughter33]

I saw a video on it, you can lay your snake on a table and put a pillow case over its head so it relaxes, and inject in the appropriate spot, good luck :)

[reptiledude987]

When I treated my vine for an RI. she spazed the first time as well. each one after that was easier. Theyre like us in that way. theres no way to make it hurt less it just seems like it seems to bother and upset them less each time

[Minkness]

Depending on the size of your snake, you can put a sock on the head, or, put them in an empty paper towel roll with a spot cut out for the injection.

When I did my BP, I just held him under one arm tightly and managed to get it in. With the smaller hoggies I just curled them around my fulingers, held firmly, and poked.

Make sure you are doing it between the scales and in the upper 1/3rd of their body as well. Just in case your vet didn't already tell you this.

[MDT]

or, if your vet did not do a culture, you have no identified organism to treat. if your BP actually has a virus, you will not need to give injections at all. if no culture, insist on one from tracheal aspiration.

if PATHOGENIC bacteria are isolated, then you just give the shots, just like you do kids. shots suck, but part of healing/wellness (IF NECESSARY).

[reptiledude987]

I wish it was a BP or hoggie I was injecting. My vines are so thin and frail it was very nerve racking. I hag to hold them steady so the needle didnt go right thru them and at the not crush their spine squeezing too hard. im so glad thats done with.

[Pastelalice]

I gave her the injection myself today she did better then at the vet.
she didn't freak out as much although i had to poke her multiple times because she kept tensing and popping the needle right out �� eventually i got it i found the best way to do it is to just hold her in my hand like normal and do it slow she tends to freak out when people are trying to hold her down. Yesterday she was very freaked out after her vet visit and curled up tight around my arm tucked her head away and wouldn't move for over an hour, she didn't do that today after her shot she quickly returned to her normal self like it never even happened.

[Albert Clark]

Make sure to have a helper first. It really makes a difference. Hold the snake firmly (both of you) and make sure to point the needle towards the tail end of the snake but in the first one third of the snake. Go between the scales and just below the skin. Don't probe with the needle or go sideways . Straight in and straight out. Always alternate the injection site as well. Be very careful with the needle also!!! Remember you are not injecting very deeply at all.

[toddnbecka]

Insulin needles are less painful than the larger types, ask you vet about using them.

[DDW]

Just be careful how many times you use the same insulin needle because the needle can fray and that is painful. And they bend easily as well. So be careful using them please.

[MDT]

Insulin needles ok for very small volumes (like insulin :) )...If you're injecting larger volumes (say >1mL), it's gonna be tough. You'll have to push the plunger harder and it'll take longer to give injection.

The smaller the needle lumen, the resistance goes up by a factor of 4 (I think....physics was a long time ago). Bottom line, just give the shot if it is really truly needed.