378 AMERICAN FARMER'S HORSE BOOK. ' 



three times, at least, before forming a final opinion concern- 

 ing them. 



THE MODES OF GIVING MEDICINE. 



This will be the proper place for considering the different 

 methods of administering medicine to the horse, which are 

 four in number, as follows : Drenching, in the feed, the pill, 

 and the clyster. 



DRENCHING. 



Drenching is the most common mode among the masses 

 of horsemen, and generally the most successful ; yet it is 

 not without a share of danger to the patient. Many horses 

 have been occasioned much suffering, some permanently in- 

 jured, and a few even killed, by carelessness in administering 

 drenches ; especially in filling the mouth so rapidly that the 

 liquid could not be swallowed fast enough, and portions of 

 it being forced into the trachea, or windpipe. Strangulation 

 and a severe coughing spell are the least serious consequences 

 of this occurrence; or, perhaps, a cough may be induced that 

 will prove obstinate and unyielding for a long time. 



All this may be easily avoided. Enough of the drench 

 should be turned into the mouth to nearly till it, but no more 

 until the horse has swallowed this, as he can readily do. He 

 may sometimes refuse to swallow until he is compelled to do 

 so, by lifting the nose up and down, so as to move the mus- 

 cles of the throat; or, quite eftectually, by pulling the mouth 

 open with the hands. In extreme cases, where the horse proves 

 utterly intractable, the drench may be turned into the nos- 

 tril ; but this, being still more dangerous than drenching in 

 the mouth, should not be resorted to except in cases of entire 

 failure by the other method, and where the disease is of such a 

 character as to admit of no delay. If a small quantity, about 

 half a gill, of the liquid be turned into the left nostril, it 

 will run into the throat. Should the horse strangle, drop his 

 head at once, and do not attempt to repeat the operation; 

 for, while in most horses the drench will pass through the 

 nostril into the throat without injury, there are others in 



