subcutaneous injection problems

Question
Hi, I have a 7.5 yr old rabbit who was always healthy and was diagnosed with a dental abscess in October.  I have been giving her bicillin injections since then.  I go to a very well regarded exotics practice in NYC and they prepare the bicillin needles for me.  There is now a 2nd  abscess farther back in her mouth so I'm back to doing the injections every day.  BUT for the life of me, I am having so much trouble getting the medicine in her properly.  I either get the bicillin all over her fur, which I have to rinse off so she doesn't lick it off, OR I get a big bump that won't go away for about a week and I worry she's not getting the medicine.  I have asked the vet for help with this-she instructed me that it can be down anywhere on her back.  I am TENTING and when I stick the needle in there's enormous pressure, the meds just won't go in. IF there's too much pressure, i take the needle out and try another place.  This was not a problem when I started giving these injections. She sits on my lap when I give them, maybe that's the issue? Also, the needle gauge seems the same as it's always been. I just can't figure it out and would appreciate any advice.  I want to make the rest of her time with me as pleasant as I can. Thanks.

Answer
Dear Judy,

I wish I could show you how to do this in person.  Describing it is very difficult.  If the vet is preparing the syringes for you to take home, one thing is critical:  be SURE the medication is drawn down OUT of the needle while it's being stored.  The suspension is very thick, and it clots easily.  If it clots in the needle, it will be impossible for you to give the injection.  Swirl the syringe gently before pushing the plunger to get the suspension into the needle, and this will reduce the chance of plugs.

Tenting is another issue.  Yes, it's easy to shoot into the skin, or right through it.  What we do is tent the skin, and insert the needle into the *base* of the tent, visualizing where there is a small, open space.  Once the needle is in, use your free hand to gently pull the skin *away* from the tip of the needle, to ensure that it has not poked through.

If you're still at a loss, you might wish to contact someone in the New York/Manhattan House Rabbit Society chapter (Rabbit Rescue and Rehab:  http://www.rabbitcare.org/ ) for some help and tutorials on how to do this safely.

I hope this helps.

Dana