32 DISEASES OF THE HOESE 



to use this form of medication, since the medicines thus given are pow- 

 erful poisons. There are many precautions to be observed, and a 

 knowledge of anatomy is indispensable. One of the chief precautions 

 has to do with the sterilization of the syringe. If it is not sterile an 

 abscess may be produced. 



(5) By the rectum. — Medicines may be given by the rectum when 

 they can not be given by the mouth, or when they are not retained in 

 the stomach ; when we want a local action on the last gut ; when it is 

 desired to destroy the small worms infesting the large bowels or to 

 stimulate the peristaltic motion of the intestines and cause evacuation. 

 Medicines are in such cases given in the form of suppositories or as 

 liquid injections (enemas). Foods may also be given in this way. 



Suppositories are conical bodies made up of oil of theobroma and 

 opium (or whatever medicine is indicated in special cases), and are 

 introduced into the rectum or vagina to allay irritation and pain of 

 these parts. They are not much used in treating horses. 



Enemas, when given for absorption, should be small in quantity, 

 neutral or slightly acid in reaction, and of a temperature of from 90° 

 to 100° F. These, like foods given by the rectum, should be intro- 

 duced only after the last bowel has been emptied by the hand or by 

 copious injections of tepid water. Enemas, or clysters, if to aid the 

 action of physics, should be in quantities sufficient to distend the 

 bowel and cause the animal to eject them. Simple water, salt and 

 water, or soap and water, in quantities of a gallon or more, may be 

 given every half hour. It is best that the horse retain them for some 

 little time, as the liquid serves to moisten the dung and favor a pas- 

 sage. Stimulating enemas, as glycerin, should be administered after 

 those already mentioned have emptied the last bowel, with the pur- 

 pose of still further increasing the natural motion of the intestines 

 and aiding the purging medicine. 



Liquids may be thrown into the rectum by the means of a large 

 syringe or a pump. . A very good " irrigator " can be bought of any 

 tinsmith at a trifling cost, and should be constantly at hand on every 

 stock farm. It consists of a funnel about 6 inches deep and 7 inches 

 in diameter, which is to be furnished with a prolongation to which a 

 piece of rubber hose, such as small garden hose, 4 feet long may be 

 attached. The hose, well oiled, is to be inserted gently into the rec- 

 tum about 2 feet. The liquid to be injected may then be poured in 

 the funnel and the pressure of the atmosphere will force it into the 

 bowels. This appliance is better than the more complicated and 

 expensive ones. 



Ordinary cold water or even ice-cold water is highly recommended 

 by many as a rectal injection for horses overcome by the excessive 

 heat of summer, and may be given by this simple pipe. 



Digitized by Microsoft® 



