The process of lifting and folding the skin of the animal prior to giving a subcutaneous injection is called what?

The process of lifting and folding the skin of the animal before administering a subcutaneous injection is known as tenting. This technique involves creating a "tent" shape with the skin, which facilitates the insertion of the needle into the subcutaneous layer while minimizing discomfort for the animal and ensuring correct delivery of the injection.

Tenting is particularly important because it helps to ensure that the needle is inserted at the correct angle and depth, reducing the risk of hitting muscle or other tissues beneath the skin. By tenting the skin, the veterinarian or technician can also better visualize the injection site, improving the accuracy of the injection and decreasing the chances of complications, such as injecting into a blood vessel or nerve.

The other options refer to similar actions but do not specifically describe the technique used for subcutaneous injections. For instance, pinching may imply a more aggressive grasp of skin but does not convey the notion of lifting and folding appropriately for injection, while pulling and stretching are broader terms that do not specifically indicate the method of forming a tent with the skin.