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Certain medicines can not, or sliould not, be made into balls — medicines 

 reqnii'ing to be given in large doses, oils, caustic substances, unless 

 diluted and tlioroughh' mixed with the vehicle, deliquescent or efflores- 

 cent salts. Substances suitable for balls can be made up b}^ the 

 addition of honey, sirup, soap, etc., when required for immediate use. 

 Gelatin capsules of different sizes are now obtainalilo and are a con- 

 venient means of giving medicines in ball form. 



Drenches are to be given when the medicine is liquid, when the dose 

 is large, and when we desire speedy action. 



Electuaries are medicines mixed mostly with licorice-root powder, 

 molasses, or sirup to the consistency of honey, or a "soft-solid." 

 They are intended, chiefl}^ to act locally upon the mouth and throat. 

 They are given with a wooden paddle or strong long-handled spoon. 



When balls are to be given we should observe the following direc- 

 tions : In shape they should be cylindrical, of the size above mentioned, 

 and soft enough to be easily compressed by the fingers. If made round 

 or egg-shaped, if too long or too hard, thej^ are liable to become fixed 

 in the gullet and cause choking. Balls may be given with the "ball- 

 ing gun " (obtainable at any veterinarj'- instrument maker's) or by the 

 hand. If given b}" the hand a mouth speculum or gag should l)e used 

 to prevent the animal from biting the hand or crushing the ball. 

 Always loosen the horse before attempting to give a ball ; if tied he 

 ma}^ break his halter and injure himself or the one giving the ball. 

 With a little ijractice it is much easier to give a ball without the 

 mouth-gag, as the liorse always fights more or less against having his 

 mouth forced o[)en. The tongue must be firmly grasped with the left 

 liand and gentl;)' luilled forward; the ball, slightly moistened, is then 

 to be placed with the tips of the fingers of the right hand as far back 

 into the mouth as i)ossi])le; as the tongue is loosened it is drawn back 

 into the mouth and carries the ball backward with it. The mouth 

 should be kept closed for a minute or two. We should always have a 

 l)ail of water at hand to offer the horse after balling. This precaution 

 will often prevent him from coughing out the ball or its becoming 

 lodged in the gullet. 



It is very often impossible to get balls properly made or to induce 

 owners or attendants to attempt to give them, and for these reasons 

 medicines by the mouth are mostly given in the form of drenches. 

 When medicine is to be given as a drench Ave must be careful to use 

 enough water or oil to thoroughly dissolve or dilute it ; more than this 

 makes the drench bulky and is unnecessary. Insoluble medicines, if 

 not irritant or corrosive, maybe given simply suspended in water; the 

 bottle to T)e well shaken immediately before giving the drench. The 

 bottle used for drenching purposes should be clean, strong, and smooth 

 about its neck; it should be without shoulders, tapering, and of a size 

 to suit the amount to be given. A horn or tin bottle maybe better, in 

 that they arc not so easily broken by the teeth. If the dose is a small 



