MEDICINES 



LECTURE LVIII 

 COMMON MEDICINES 



Common measurements: 



A dime weighs about 40 grains, a nickel 80, a quarter 100, 

 a half dollar 200, a dollar 400 grains. One half dollar and a 

 dime, e.g., would weigh about half an ounce or a dollar and a 

 nickel would weigh approximately an ounce. 



Teaspoon holds about 1 fluid dram (Vg oz.). 

 Tablespoon holds about 4 drams (14 oz.). 

 Dessert spoon holds about 3 drams. 

 Teacup holds about 6 oz. 



Giving medicines. — Internal medicines may be given to do- 

 mestic animals in the form of liquid drench, gelatine capsule 

 ball, or dry powder ; or may be mixed with honey or molasses 

 and smeared on the tongue. Some medicines are given under 

 the skin by hypodermic syringe and some by injection into a 

 vein. In giving a drench, remember that a horse's mouth and 

 throat are very sensitive and more easily injured or irritated 

 than the human. Taste the medicine before giving it, if there is 

 doubt about its being too strong. Powders should be finely pul- 

 verized, and must not be caustic or irritating. Balls should be 

 in the shape of a cylinder about 2 inches long and i/o to % of 

 an inch in diameter. They should be wrapped in thin paper 

 and oiled. They must be reasonably soft and pliable, and the 

 horse should be offered water immediately after swallowing 

 them. 



Drenching. — In giving a drench the patient's head must not 

 be held too high, the face should be nearly horizontal, with the 

 nose just a little higher. If the head is too high swallowing is 

 difficult. The operator must not be in a hurry. The medicine 

 should be given in small quantities on top of the tongue, as far 

 back in the mouth as possible, and the horse should be given 

 plenty of time to swallow. If the horse is obstinate about swal- 

 lowing, pour a tablespoonful of water into the nose after medi- 



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