DISEASES OF CATTLE 23 



The amount of fluid to be given in a drench depends upon the 

 effect that is sought and the nature of the medicine. In impactions 

 of the stomach very large quantities of fluid may be given as much 

 as a gallon or several gallons at a time. Usually, however, it is not 

 customary or 'desirable to give more than from 1 to 2 quarts at a 

 dose, and not more than a pint unless it be necessary on account of 

 the irritant quality of the drug that has to be shielded with a large 

 quantity of the vehicle. 



Medicines that are soluble should be completely dissolved be- 

 fore they are given. Insoluble medicines should be finely divided 

 by powdering or by shaking, and should be well agitated and mixed 

 immediately before they are given. In the latter case a menstruum 

 with considerable body, such as molasses or flaxseed tea or milk, 

 will help to hold solids or oils in suspension until swallowed. 



Balls are large pills adapted for the larger animals. Powders or 

 gums are sometimes mixed with an adhesive substance and rolled 

 into balls for the purpose of convenience of administration. Balls 

 are not so much used and are not so well adapted to the medication 

 of cattle as of horses. The process of solution is slower in the paunch 

 of a cow than in the stomach of a horse ; and if the cow is so sick 

 as to have stopped ruminating, a ball may become covered up and 

 lost in the mass of material in the paunch and so lie for days, pro- 

 ducing no effect whatever. 



Capsules are shells or envelopes made of soluble gelatine in 

 which powders or liquids may be inclosed. Capsules and balls are 

 administered by being placed on the tongue well back in the mouth 

 while the tongue is drawn forward and the mouth is held open by 

 a block of wood between the back teeth. The ball should be dropped, 

 the tongue released, and the block removed as nearly simultaneously 

 as possible, so that the backward carriage of the tongue will throw 

 the ball into the throat and lead to its being swallowed. Care must 

 be taken to avoid having the hand cut or crushed while introducing 

 the ball. After a little experience it is possible to do away with the 

 block of wood between the teeth for keeping the mouth open. 



By the Stomach. Medicines are introduced directly into the 

 first stomach by the use of an esophageal tube or through the canula 

 of a trocar passed into the paunch through the side. This method 

 is used in the treatment of diseases of indigestion. 



By the Rectum. Medicines are usually administered by the 

 rectum for the purpose of controlling the bowels and for the treat- 

 ment of local diseases. Sometimes, however, medicines that have a 

 general effect are given in this way when, for any reason, it is not 

 possible or convenient to give them through the mouth. Only drugs 

 that are readily absorbed should be given per rectum for a general 

 effect and in somewhat larger dose or more frequently than when 

 given by the mouth. Such stimulants as ether, alcohol, or the aro- 

 matic spirits of ammonia, diluted with from four to six times their 

 bulk of warm water, may be used in this way. Rectal injections, or 

 enemata, are used in the treatment of constipation. If it is the pur- 



