640 ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES. 



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 ali- 

 mentary 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 611. 



Before giving a ball, see that the horse has a head collar or 

 halter on him, and 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. 157, p. 641). 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 withdrawn, the left hand should carry the tongue to the middle 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 tongu© is released while it is on 

 the right side of the mouth, it will probably send 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 oil the upper jaw. Holding 



