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Metropolitan Veterinary Associates thanks you for you considering us as a source of information for your pet care. In the following video you’ll be shown techniques for at-home treatments of common pet issues. If at any point you do not feel comfortable performing these techniques, you should consider contacting your veterinarian. Remember, while it is possible to do these techniques with one person, it is always easier to do them with two people present.
Hi there, I’m Lisa. – And I’m Kara. We are both nurses at Metropolitan Veterinary Associates. – Today, we will be showing you how to administer allergy vaccinations to your pet. Allergy vaccinations are given to patients that have had a combined skin test, and are under the direct care of a veterinary dermatologist. The allergy serum is made specifically for your pet and must remain refrigerated at all times. It is crucial that you keep track of your pet’s response to the allergy vaccine in your workbook. If, after giving the injection, your pet becomes significantly itchier, please contact the pet’s dermatologist, as adjustments may need to be made to the allergy serum. Please avoid a large meal and heavy exercise one hour before and one hour post-injection. Now let’s get started. – [Kara] While adverse reactions to an allergy vaccine are rare, it is important to monitor your pet closely for two hours post-injection. Signs of reactions are vomiting, lethargy, intense itch, hives, and difficulty breathing. If this should occur, bring your pet to the closest veterinary emergency service and notify your pet’s dermatologist before continuing the allergy vaccine. First, you will need to gather the following materials: an allergy syringe, a serum vial, an alcohol swab, and your allergy book. Depending on your pet’s level of cooperation, two people may be required to perform this task. – Prior to starting, participants should wash their hands thoroughly. Take the vial and gently roll it between your hands for approximately three to five seconds, until the contents are mixed well. Then, clean the top of the vial with an alcohol swab for approximately ten seconds. Remove the cap from your needle, invert the vial, and insert the needle into the rubber stopper. Draw up the prescribed amount of allergen as noted in your vaccination schedule. Tap on the syringe with your fingernail to break up any air bubbles. Push the air back into the bottle and ensure that the correct dosage is all that remains in the syringe. – [Kara] While holding the syringe in one hand, use your other hand to grasp the loose skin between your pet’s shoulder blades. Gently but firmly pull the skin upward to create a tent shape. – Hold the needle parallel to the pet’s body and insert the needle into the middle of the triangle you have created. Draw back slightly on the plunger of the syringe to check for blood in the hub of your needle. If no blood is seen in the syringe, you may then inject the serum into your pet. – [Kara] If you notice blood in the syringe, gently reposition the needle by pulling back on the syringe and changing the needle direction slightly to right or left. – Remove the needle from your pet and dispose of the needle and syringe in an empty container to be brought to the dermatologist’s office for disposal. – Again, if you have any problems or questions, be sure to call your veterinarian. Be sure not to forget to give the patient a little treat for their cooperation. Want a treat? Good boy! Good boy.