The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-01-02
Giving Medicine to Horses.

Every farmer should know how to admins
ter medicine safely and properly to horses,
but there are few things which the average
farmer does so awkwardly as this How
common it is to see three or four men trying
to force medicine down the throat of an un-
willing horse and spilling from one-half to
two-thirds OF the dose in the operation, and
it is a matter OF congratulation in such cases
if no one is injured by the struggling animal !;
ii the drenching bottle is not broken in the
horses mouth, or portion of the drench has
not passed into the all passages, aggravating
the existing disease, or creating more dan
gerous one. Medicine may be given to hor-
ses safely and with very little trouble, how
ever, if properly done. 1 have many times
given drench without any assistance what
ever, and in very dark nights have drenched
sick horse of my own with neither light nor
assistance, and am satisfied that not over five
per cent. of the medicine was lost. Now, it
is essential in giving medicine to know that
the whole of the dose reaches its proper des-
tination. There are several ways of accom-
plishing this, each of which has its advanta-
ges in different circumstances.
Mixing with the food or drink is the sim
plest and safest method for such medicine as
can be administered in this way. Unfortun-
ately it is only adapted to the simplest class
of medicines, such as are nearly tasteless and
odorless, and in cases where small doses are
given and a prompt and certain action is not
required. As an exception to the last re-
mark have often given common salt in the
milder forms of collie depending on indiges-
ton and fermentation of food and in many
cases it proves prompt and efficient. One to
three ounces dissolved in quart or two of
water is seldom refused by an animal in such
cases. Substances containing free mineral
acids should not be mixed with the food, as
particles lodge about the teeth and, by their
chemical action start decay, and thus cause
cavities which in some cases nearly destroy
the value of the animal. Sulphate of iron
(copperas) is fair example of this class, and
is perhaps more generally given in this way,
and consequently does more damage than
any other.
The electuary is very convenient and sat-
isfactory form in which to administer medi-
cines. 1t consists of mixture of the sub
stance to be given with molasses, honey,
syrup, &c, to such consistency that the
mass will readily adhere TO the tongue, cheeks
and teeth of the ANNA! when smeared in its
mouth. This may be accomplished with
good sized iron spoon; the operator, standing
on the left of the horses head, gently grasps
the under jaw with his right hand, and insin-
yates his thumb and fingers into each side of
the mouth, causing the animal to open it,
when the left hand, which holds the spoon
containing the whole or part of the dose,
passes IL DIS lar DdCk DIS pOSSlUle luLO Tic
mouth, and turns it upside down; the right
hand is now free to steady the head, and the
spoon is held in position till the movements
Of the animals tongue completely clean it,
This may be repeated at short intervals till
the whole of the dose is given. If tie mass
is not made too thick, but little of the medi-
cine will be lost. Almost any one can give
medicine to horses in this way; it is adapted
to even the most nauseous agents, but care
Ill .oI. - s.,,4 49,,
corrosive substances in this form for obvious
reasons. This is the only form in which
medicines can be safely given to horses with
sore-throat, as balls are apt to lodge in the
pharynx, and drenches to pass into the air
passages.
Balls are made by mixing the medicines
with the same agents as for electuares, but
the consistency is such that they will retain
their shape when nodded into cylinders about