After a seemingly normal IP injection, the mouse was initially struggling to use its hind legs. It was able to scoot around but looked like it was in pain. Then it remained still for about 30 min, only scooting around an inch or two. After about an hour, it seemed more alert and was about to walk normally, but slowly.
I made sure I had negative pressure before pressing the plunger down and I did not see any urine, feces, or blood in the syringe.
Is it possible that I hit the spine with the needle?
What are the normal complications or symptoms with IP injections if there is internal bleeding or damage to organs?
Thanks from me and the little mouse.
Dear Dr. Smith,
I am sorry to hear of your difficulty. Yes I too have seen this.
I know its not easy to see a little critter in pain, sigh.
If it was the spin that had been damaged there would be no recover.
If your needle went sideways any it could have came out of the IP membrane and into a leg mussel group. This with added volume of an inj will make the mussel very sore, with possibility of nerve irritation.
Sometimes the bladder can be damaged if the injection sight is too low.
I added some info below that helped me.
https://animalcare.ubc.ca/sites/default/files/documents/TECH%2010%20IP%20Injections%20in%20the%20Mouse%20and%20Rat.pdf
Complications :
1. Bleeding at injection site – apply pressure until the bleeding stops and clean with gauze and water
2. Peritonitis – inflammation or infection of the peritoneal cavity (if gut is punctured or a non‐sterile substance injected).
3. Laceration of abdominal organs and internal bleeding or infection.
4. Injection into the gastrointestinal tract or bladder.
Article Errors in the technique of intraperitoneal injection of mice
https://www.jove.com/science-education/10198/compound-administration-i
Best Wishes!