Special report on diseases of the horse / prepared under the direction of D.E. Salmon by Drs. Michener [and others].

  • United States. Bureau of Animal Industry.
Date:
1896
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Special report on diseases of the horse / prepared under the direction of D.E. Salmon by Drs. Michener [and others]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    resorted to. Gaseous and volatile medicines are given by inhalation, as is also medicated steam or vapor. Of the gases used we may men- tion, as the chief ones, sulphurous acid gas, and occasionally chlorine. The animal or animals are to be placed in a tight building, where these gases are generated, until the atmosphere is sufficiently impregnated with them. Volatile medicines, as the anaesthetics (ether, chloro- form, etc.), are only to be given by the attending surgeon. Medicated vapors are to be inhaled by placing a bucket containing hot water, vinegar and water, scalded hay or bran, to which carbolic acid, iodine, or other medicines have been added, in the bottom of a long grain bag. The horse’s nose is to be inserted into the top of the bag, and he thus inhales the “ medicated steam.” Care must be taken not to have this hot enough to scald the animal. Scalding bran or hay is often thus inhaled to favor discharges in sore throat or “distemper.” The nasal douche is employed by the veterinarian in treating some local diseases of the nasal chambers. Special appliances and profes- sional knowledge are necessary when using liquid medicines by this method. It is not often resorted to, even by veterinary surgeons, since the horse, as a rule, objects very strongly to this mode of medication. (3) By the Skin.—Medicines are often administered to our hair- covered animals by the skin, yet care must be taken in applying some medicines, as tobacco-water, carbolic acid solutions, etc., over the entire body, as poisoning and death follow in some instances from absorption through the skin. We must also exercise care, and not apply poisonous medicines over very large raw or abraded surfaces, for the same rea- sons. For domestic animals medicines are only to be applied by the skin for local purposes or diseases, as laudanum, chloroform liniment, etc., for neuralgia. (4) Under the Skin—Hypodermic Method.—Medicines are fre- quently given by the hypodermic syringe, under the skin. It will not be safe for any but medical or veterinary practitioners to use this form of medication, since the medicines thus given are powerful poisons. There are many precautions to be observed; a knowledge of anatomy is indispensable. (5) By the Rectum.—Medicines may be given by the rectum when we can not give or retain them by the mouth; when we want a local action on the last gut; to destroy the small worms infesting the large bowels; to stimulate the peristaltic motion of the intestines and cause evacuation; and to nourish the body. Medicines are here given in the form of suppositories, or as liquid injections—enemas. 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 veterinary practice. Enemas, when given for absorption, should be small in quantity, neutral or slightly acid in reaction, and of a temperature of from 90°