628 ADMINISTEATION OF MEDICI^^ES. 



though the mucous membrane has little power of absorbing oil, 

 in its ordinary state, the absorption of this substance is readily- 

 accomplished, after the bile and pancreatic juice have acted on it. 

 The solution of solid bodies is greatly facilitated by their meeting 

 a large amount of water during their passage through the 

 alimentary canal. 



THE CHIEF WAYS OF GIVING MEDICINE BY THE MOUTH 



are as follows : — 



1. In the food or drinking water, supposing that the medicine 

 has not a disagreeable taste. 



2. As a powder placed on the tongue. 



3. As an electuary, which is a powdered medicine mixed up into 

 a soft mass with honey, sugar, treacle, or mucilage. It is placed 

 in the animal's mouth, so that he may gradually swallow it. 



4. As a hall. 



The method of preparing a horse for aloes has been described 

 on page 599. 



Before giving a ball we should see that the horse has a head collar 

 or halter on him, and should get an assistant to stand by the near 

 shoulder and hold the animal's head up, while he has the leading 

 rein in the other hand (Fig. 152). The ball may be held between 

 the four fingers of the right hand, the tips of the first and fourth 

 being brought together below the second and third, which are 

 placed on the upper side of the ball ; thus making the right hand 

 as small as possible, so as to admit of its ready insertion into the 

 mouth. The left hand grasps the horse's tongue, gently pulls it 

 out, and places it on that part of the right side of the lower jaw 

 which is bare of teeth. The right hand carries the ball along the 

 tongue and leaves it at the root. The moment the right hand is 

 withdrawn, the left hand should carry the tongue to the middle line 

 of the mouth and immediately release it, so as to bring the ball 

 still further back. If the tongue is released while it is on the riorht 

 side of the mouth, it will probably se<nd the ball between the left 

 molars. The operator then closes the mouth and looks at the 

 left side of the neck, in order that he may note the passage of the 

 ball down the gullet. Many horses keep a ball in the mouth 

 for a considerable time before they will allow it to go down. 

 A mouthful of water, or a handful of food, will generally 

 make the animal swallow it readily. If this does not succeed, the 

 nostrils may be grasped by the hand and held for a few seconds. 



If the operator has not had much experience in giving balls, he 

 should station an assistant on the near side to aid in opening and 

 steadying the mouth, by placing the fingers of the left hand on the 

 lower jaw, and the thumb of the right on the upper jaw. Holding 



