22 



HEALTH AND DISEASE 



convenient spot about half-way between the throat and the chest, and 

 propelling the contents of the syringe into the passage. 



The skin over the portion selected should be rendered tense with the 

 fingers of the left hand, while the right is employed in inserting the needle 

 and directing it in a forward and downward direction. Horses commonly 

 submit to this operation without much restraint, the slight pain caused 

 ceasing when the needle has passed through the skin. 



Subcutaneous Injection. — The instrument alluded to in the fore- 

 going paragraph is also employed to introduce medicines into the circula- 



Fig. 441. — Making a Subcutaneous Injection in the Neck 



tion by injecting suitable solutions of active agents into the loose tissues 

 beneath the skin (fig. 441). The position chosen for the purpose is of 

 no great importance, but safety to the operator and convenience alike 

 suggest the loose folds behind the elbow. 



Intra-Ven0US Injection is another method occasionally employed, 

 and consists in injecting medicines directly into one or another of the 

 superficial veins of the body. The vessel most commonly used for this 

 purpose is the jugular vein. The operation, however, is one which should 

 only be performed by the expert veterinarian. 



