Tips on Baytrol Injections

[Lindsay&Sonny]

Hey there everybody.

I've got a squirrel girl named Sonny who has a UTI and is on baytrol injections. Like others on this thread, I also have a really hard time and get pretty stressed before the "big event" each day.

I know how important it is to give her the injections on time. Although I've found some good advice on here regarding methods for "sticking" (imagine it like a dart, e.g.), I still don't really get some of the more basic technique, like how I should hold her (or not hold her), when to approach her, if I should tire her out playing first, or just go for it when I say it's time.

She has a big cage that I can stand (or sit) inside of. I have been giving her the injections inside her cage, sitting on a stool, but I honestly can't tell if that makes her more upset since she's relating my presence inside her space with getting the shot (she's not used to me being in there with her).

So far she's had 4 injections, 10 more to go. I know the skin is leathery and it's not the easiest injection to give any given mammal. I just want to make it the least painful and fastest, least stressful experience for her. We're pretty tight and we can sense each other's moods. If nothing else, what can I tell myself as a "pep talk" beforehand so I'm calm and confident?

Any words of wisdom, encouragement, or experiences that have worked well for you are so much appreciated! Thank you!

[CritterMom]

Why is she getting injections? Baytril is very commonly given orally. Is there some reason your vet decided on this course of action?

[Lindsay&Sonny]

Why is she getting injections? Baytril is very commonly given orally. Is there some reason your vet decided on this course of action?

Yes. She's been on oral antibiotics but the infection hasn't resolved. This was the next course of action. I also do have oral baytril (sorry about the poor spelling the 1x around), but the doctor made up all of the injections for me ahead of time. Should I inquire more?

EDIT: She's been on an oral antibiotic my vet refers to as "TMS" (not oral bayril)