METHODS OF ADMINISTERING MEDICINES. 45 



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

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

 tioned, and soft enough to be easily compressed by the fingers. If 

 made round or egg-shaped, if too long or too hard, they are liable to 

 become fixed in the gullet and cause choking. Balls may be given 

 with the "balling gun" (obtainable at any veterinary instrument 

 maker's) or by the hand. If given by the hand a mouth speculum or 

 gag may be used to prevent the animal from biting the hand or crush- 

 ing the ball. Always loosen the horse before attempting to give a 

 ball; if tied he may break his halter and injure himself or the one 

 giving the ball. With a little practice it is much easier to give a ball 

 without the mouth gag, as the horse airways fights more or less against 

 having his mouth forced open. The tongue must be firmly grasped 

 with the left hand and gently pulled 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 possible; as the tongue is 

 loosened it is drawn back into the mouth and carries the ball back- 

 ward with it. The mouth should be kept closed for a minute or two. 

 We should always have a pail of water at hand to offer the horse 

 after balling. This precaution will often prevent him from cough- 

 ing out the ball or its becoming lodged in the gullet. 



Pastes or electuaries are medicines mixed with licorice-root pow- 

 der, ground flaxseed, molasses, or sirup to the consistency of honey, 

 or a " soft solid." They are intended, chiefly, to act locally upon the 

 mouth and throat. They are given by being spread upon the tongue, 

 gums, or teeth with a wooden paddle or strong, long-handled spoon. 



Liquids. — 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 liquids. Liquids may be given as drenches when the dose is large, 

 or they may, when but a small quantity is administered, be injected 

 into the mouth with a hard-rubber syringe or be poured upon the 

 tongue from a small vial. 



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

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

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

 not irritant or corrosive, may be given simply suspended in water, 

 the bottle to be 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 may be 

 better, because it is not so easily broken by the teeth. If the dose is 

 a small one the horse's head may be held up by the left hand, while 

 the medicine is poured into the mouth by the right. The left thumb 

 is to be placed in the angle of the lower jaw, and the fingers spread 



