METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION 65 



not be so rapid; for instance, arsenic or strychnine in large doses. 

 In case of the herbivora this is not so important, as their stomachs 

 are rarely, if ever, empty. 



2. Hypodermic, subcutaneous, hypodermatic. This is the 

 next most common method. The medicine is injected beneath the 

 skin. Any place may be selected where the tissues are not too dense, 

 although the injections are usually made upon the neck or in some 

 other place where the skin is thin. One should be careful not to 

 insert the needle into a blood vessel. If this should occur, withdraw 

 the needle and insert it again. The usual antiseptic precautions 

 should be taken to avoid abscess formation. Absorption from the 

 subcutaneous tissues is fairly rapid and may be aided considerably 

 by massage of the part, so that the medicine comes in contact with a 

 greater area for absorption. In cases of edema this method is not 

 very effective, since absorption is slow. 



3. Intramuscularly. In this case the needle is plunged through 

 the skin and subcutaneous tissues directly into the muscles. Absorp- 

 tion is very rapid in this case. 



4. Intratracheally. This method is more rapid than the hypo- 

 dermic, as absorption is very rapid from the pulmonary capillaries. 

 One should avoid strong irritants and those materials which are not 

 easily absorbed. The injection is made with a hypodermic needle 

 through the intercartilaginous space. 



5. Intravenously. This is the most rapid of all and the material 

 is not influenced by the body fluids, as the medicine is injected 

 directly into the blood stream. 



Precautions should be taken to have the medicine at about the 

 body temperature and to have all the air expelled from the syringe. 

 The danger is also lessened if the injection is made slowly. 



6. Per rectum: Enema, Clysters, Lavement. 

 Enemata are of use for the following purposes : 



1. To influence the general system through rectal absorption or 

 other purposes. 



2. Act locally upon disease of the parts. 



3. For their mechanical effects. (Dislodge feces and parasites. ) 

 Where general absorption is desired a small amount of liquid 



should be used, as it is desired that the animal retain the injection. 

 If for the discharge of feces or parasites a large amount should be 

 used. One should use reasonable care not to rupture the walls of the 

 rectum and not give too frequently lest they set up undesired strain- 

 ing and irritation. 



7. Inhalations. These, vdth the exception of general anesthetics, 

 are generally employed in diseases of the respiratory tract. The 

 most common method is that of steaming. 



8. Endermic. There are four methods : 



A. Inunction. External applications upon the skin or injured 



