Medi-Dart Sub-Q needle #5 (MDSQN)

Details

The difference between an IM needle and a Sub-Q needle on this system is small and easy to miss on the shelf: two extra holes in the side of the shaft. Those ports let the charge spread out under the hide instead of being pushed out the tip alone, and they are the only reason to reach for a Sub-Q needle over the matching IM number. At #5 the ridge is near the rough end of what Medi-Dart offers. The numbers describe neither gauge nor length, only how aggressive the ridge is, and a rougher ridge keeps the needle in place longer while air pressure empties the barrel behind it. That matters more on the crossbow than on the pole, since the pole lets you control the poke and pull the syringe back yourself. Count on it as durable hardware rather than something you throw away. Medi-Dart puts it at roughly thirty injections used on the crossbow and roughly fifty on the extension syringe, with a file bringing a dull point back. The side ports are worth flushing at cleaning time so nothing sets up in them between jobs. It threads onto either system through the small nut. If you are running the #6 on your dart, remember that needle carries a half-moon push rod and wingnut requirement with it, while the #5 does not. Route and product decisions belong with your veterinarian and the label.