10 CANINE MEDICINE AND SURGERY 



The Hypodermic Method 



This is one of the most effectual methods of 

 administration where quick absorption, with con- 

 sequently quick results, is desired. The require- 

 ments are non-irritating and easily soluble drugs, 

 small-caliber needles and a twenty-minim syringe, 

 preferably all metal, because such are easily steril- 

 ized. The site of injection is of no importance, 

 provided the skin be loose* and thin, and for this 

 reason the region of the scapula is generally selected. 

 The site of injection should be painted with tinc- 

 ture of iodin to disinfect it; the needle and syringe 

 should be sterilized by boiling, and the drug com- 

 pletely dissolved in distilled water. Unless all of 

 these precautions are taken, an abscess may result 

 at the site of the puncture. The syringe being 

 filled, the skin is pinched up by the index finger 

 and thumb of the left hand, the needle pushed 

 quickly through the skin into the subcutaneous tis- 

 sues( by the right hand, and the syringe is then 

 attached and its contents evacuated slowly. 



The Intravenous Method 



This method is not used extensively in dog prac- 

 tice, but is coming more into vogue than formerly. 

 The skin over the vein selected for the injection, 

 usually the auricular vein, must be most carefully 

 disinfected before the needle is inserted. The needle 

 and the syringe must also have been sterilized, dis- 

 tilled water should be used for the solvent, and the 

 drug must be completely dissolved to avoid em- 

 bolism with its attendant dangers. The temperature 

 of the solution should be raised to the temperature 

 of the animal, and great care exercised in introducing 

 the needle into the vein. All air must be expelled 



