Medicines for Animals 137 



rectum, the other end containing the funnel is held 

 above, and the fluid poured in, the force of gravity 

 carrying it into the bowels. Fig. 32. Enemas should 

 be given slowly, and the animal allowed to retain 

 them for a short time. The nozzle of the hose should 

 be oiled or soaped before it is inserted, so as not to 

 injure the mucous coat of the rectum. 



DOSES OF MEDICINE 



The amount of medicine given at one time is called a 

 "dose." It may vary, not only with the size, age and 

 temperament of the animal, but also in the different dis- 

 eases and according to the Avay in which the medicine is 

 given. In general, a horse will take eight to ten times 

 as much medicine as a man, and cattle take one -third 

 more than horses. Animals of a nervous tempera- 

 ment require less medicine than the slow, easy-going 

 phlegmatic ones. The size of the animal, also, plays 

 an important part in the amount given. Young 

 animals require less medicine than older ones of the 

 same size. 



Medicines for animals should be of good quality. In 

 order to get a quick result from them they should be as 

 finely divided as possible, in the form of powders or in 

 solution. If kept any length of time, they should be 

 protected from evaporation by corking or tight boxes. 

 Some medicines lose their strength, w^hile others be- 

 come stronger. A small cupboard that can be locked 

 is an excellent place in which to keep medicines. All 

 medicines should be plainly labeled. 



