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The term
"injection site blemishes" or "injection site lesions" can
be used to describe any abnormality resulting from a
previous injection. When an injection is given into muscle,
the needle causes tissue injury around the injection area.
In addition, the product injected adds to the injury area.
Most commonly, areas around the injection site heal without
obvious damage apparent to the producer. When the muscle
tissue heals, however, it leaves a "scar" or "woody callus"
composed of tough connective tissue. This is analogous to a
skin cut or scratch, which often heals with a scar. Most
generally, the cattle producer will not observe any outward
abnormality to indicate that an injection site lesion
occurred. Rarely will external swelling appear.
Injection sites are a problem in the industry that still
needs to be addressed. However, there has been tremendous
improvement over the last five years. The incidence of
injection site scars in the top sirloin declined from over
22 percent in 1991 to about three percent today. However, it
is possible to abolish the incidence of injection site
blemishes.
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