48 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



the stomach ; when we want a local action on the last ^t ; when it i 

 desired to destroy the small worms infesting the large bowels or tt 

 stimulate the peristaltic motion of the intestines and cause evacual 

 tion. Medicines are in such cases given in the form of suppositories oi 

 as liquid injections (enemas.) Foods may also be given in this way 



Suppositories are conical bodies made up of oil of theobroma and 

 opium (or whatever medicine is indicated in special cases), and are 

 introduced into the rectum or vagina to allay irritation and pain of 

 these parts. They are not much used in treating horses. 



Enemas^ when given for absorption, should be small in quantity, 

 neutral or slightly acid in reaction, and of a temperature of from 90° 

 to 100° F. These, like feeds given by the rectum, should be intro- 

 duced only after the last bowel has been emptied by the hand or by 

 copious injections of tepid water. Enemas, or clysters, if to aid the 

 action of physics, should be in quantities sufficient to distend the 

 bowel and cause the animal to eject them. Simple w^ater, salt and 

 water, or soap and water, in quantities of a gallon or more, may be 

 given every half hour. It is best that the horse retain them for some 

 little time, as the liquid serves to moisten the dung and favors a pas- 

 sage. Stimulating enemas, as glycerin, should be administered after 

 those already mentioned have emptied the last bowel, with the pur- 

 pose of still further increasing the natural motion of the intestines 

 and aiding the purging medicine. 



Liquids may be thrown into the rectum by the means of a large 

 syringe or a pump. A very good " irrigator " can be bought of any 

 tinsmith at a trifling cost, and should be constantly at hand on every 

 stock farm. It consists of a funnel about C inches deep and 7 inches 

 in diameter, which is to be furnished with a prolongation to which a 

 piece of rubber hose, such as small garden hose, 4 feet long may be 

 attached. The hose, well oiled, is to be inserted gently into the rec- 

 tum about 2 feet. The liquid to be injected may then be poured in 

 the funnel and the pressure of the atmosphere will force it into the 

 bowels. This appliance is better than the more complicated and 

 expensive ones. 



Ordinaiy cold water or even ice-cold water is highly recommended 

 by many as a rectal injection for horses overcome by the excessive 

 heat of summer, and may be given by this simple pipe. 



By the gexito-tjrinaey passages. — This method of medication 

 is especially useful in treating local diseases of the genito-urinary 

 organs. It finds it chief application in the injection and cleansing 

 of the uterus and vagina. For this purpose a large syringe or the 

 irrigator described above may be used. 



By the blood. — Injections directly into veins are to be practiced 

 by medical or veterinary practitioners only, as are probably some 

 other means of giving medicines — intratracheal injections, etc. 



