ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES
Medicines are conveyed into the body as drenches, balls, enemas, and injections under the skin or into the veins. There is nothing mysterious about any of them.
Giving Medicines in a Ball.
—The practice of giving medicines in a ball is a very old one, and has much to recommend it. Many nauseous agents as aloes, opium, arsenic, asafetida, are thus conveyed to the stomach without causing annoyance and disgust to the patient. The balls are wrapped in paper, dough, or gelatin capsules, and may weigh an ounce or two. In giving a ball the following plan is usually followed: Hold the ball between the thumb and first two fingers. Now seize the tongue at about its middle and gently draw it out to the side of the mouth, in such a way that the right hand may be inserted into the mouth and the ball placed far back on the tongue, when the hand is withdrawn, the tongue replaced and the halter or strap wrapped around the jaws until the ball is swallowed.
Giving Medicines in a Drench.
—The drench is usually employed for liquid medicines. It is best to dilute the medicines with water, milk, or oil that they may more readily reach the stomach and at the same time exercise no injury to the structures through which they pass.
In giving a drench exercise as much patience as possible. To horses it should be given slowly. If there is any disposition to cough, lower the head, and then proceed as before.
Poultices.
—These are made of a variety of things, bread, bran, and linseed meal being the most common. Any substance that will hold water and retain heat will serve the purpose.