INTRODUCTION 

 The Action of Drugs 



Of all the domestic animals cattle, more particularly 

 dairy cattle, respond most satisfactorily to the action 

 of drugs. A system of specific medication is possible 

 in cattle if it is possible in any animal. Granted that 

 the drug has been intelligently selected for the disease, 

 and that it has been judiciously administered, a defi- 

 nite action is always forthcoming. This is true whether 

 the drug be given orally or hypodermically, but espe- 

 cially so when given orally. 



The Administration of Drugs 



For all practical purposes the administration of 

 drugs can be limited to oral and hypodermic adminis- 

 tration. 



Oral administration in the cow is a very simple pro- 

 cedure, especially so when the cow is not confined in a 

 stanchion. The thumb and forefinger of the left hand 

 grasp the nasal septum firmly from above and just 

 inside the nostrils. The head is then raised straight 

 up, under the veterinarian's left arm, and the medi- 

 cine emptied into the mouth. Most cows will swallow 

 liquids in this manner just as fast as they are poured 

 ill. Usually the veterinarian can do this single-handed; 

 now and then a head-strong cow will require that a 

 helper give the veterinarian some assistance in keep- 

 ing the animal's head raised. There is an impression 

 among farmers that the tongue must be held out of 



