12 



as is also medicated steam or vapor. Of the gases used we may men- 

 tion, as the chief ones, sulphurous acid gas, and occasionally chlorine. 

 The animal or animals are to be placed in a tight building, where these 

 gases are generated, until the atmosphere is sufficiently impregnated 

 with them. Volatile medicines, as the anaesthetics, (ether, chloroform, 

 etc.), are only to be given by the attending surgeon. Medicated vapors 

 are to be inhaled by placing a bucket containing hot water, vinegar and 

 water, scalded hay or bran, to which carbolic acid, iodine, or other 

 medicines have been added, in the bottom of a long grain bag. The 

 horse's nose is to be inserted into the toi) of the bag, and he thus in- 

 hales the " medicated steam." Care must be taken not to have this 

 hot enough to scald the animal. Scalding bran or hay is often thus 

 inhaled to favor discharges in sore throat or " distemper." 



The nasal douche is employed by the veterinarian in treating some 

 local diseases of the nasal chambers. Special appliances and profes- 

 sional knowledge are necessary when using liquid medicines by this 

 method. It is not often resorted to, even by veterinary surgeons, since 

 the horse, as a rule, objects very strongly to this mode of medication. 



(3) By the Skin. — Medicines are often administered to our hair- 

 covered animals by the skin, yet care must be taken in applying some 

 medicines, as tobacco- water, carbolic acid solutions, etc., over the entire 

 body, as poisoning and death follow in some instances from absorption 

 through the skin. We must also exercise care, and not apply poisonous 

 medicines over very large raw or abraded surfaces, for the same rea- 

 sons. For domestic animals medicines are only to be applied by the 

 skin for local purposes or diseases, as laudanum, chloroform liniment, 

 etc., for neuralgia. 



(4) Under the Skin — Hypodermic Method. — Medicines are fre- 

 quently given by the hypodermic syringe, under the skin. It will not 

 be safe for any but medical or veterinary practitioners to use this form 

 of medication, since the medicines thus given are powerful poisons. 

 There are many precautions to be observed; a knowledge of anatomy 

 is indispensible. 



(5) By the Rectum. — Medicines may be given by the rectum when 

 we can not give or retain them by the mouth ; when we want a local 

 action on tlie last gut; to destroy the small worms infesting the large 

 bowels; to stimulate the peristaltic motion of the intestines and cause 

 evacuation ; and to nourish the body. Medicines are here given in the 

 form of suppositories, or as liquid injections — enemas. 



Suppositories are conical bodies made up of oil of theobroma and 

 opium (or whatever medicine is indicated in special cases), and are in- 

 troduced into the rectum or vagina to allay irritation and pain of these 

 parts. They are not much used in veterinary practice. 



Enemas^ when given for absorption, should be small in quantity, 

 neutral or slightly acid in reaction, and of a temperature of from 90° 

 to lOOo F. These, like foods given by the rectum, should only be in- 



