HOW TO DRENCH ANIMALS

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1749, 13 September 1905, Page 58

HOW TO DRENCH ANIMALS

On this subject, Mr Kudduek, V.S., remarks that drenching, or pouring medicine into the mouth,, is one of the most common methods of administration. With, an average animal there is not much risk, but if the animal fight® or is hard to drench ’then serious trouble may ensue. In giving medicine to the horse the head is fixed with ropes or halters. It must be remembered that when the head is in this position it is not a natural one for drinking, and that the higher the head is held the harder it is for the horse to swallow, consequently the head should be just high enough for the medicine to gravitate to the back part of the mouth. It is of the utmost importance that the medicine be. poured into the month. Some, not knowing better. sometimes give it through the nose, and by so doing often cause the death of the animal. When given by the nose ,j> it generally travels direct to the windpipe, and into the lungs, resulting in great agony, pneumonia and death. Many horses have been killed in this way. If the animal will not swallow irritate th® roof of the mouth with the fingers. Should he cough, the head should be immediately lowered. A horse with a sor® throat should never be drenched. Cattle can also be killed by drenching if they are bad drinkers, and the medicine is poured into them. They should be held by the nostrils or the upper jaw, the tongue left free, and time allowed for swallowing. Cattle affected with milk fever should never receive a drench by the mouth while lying down. — Pigs are peculiar animals to handle, and if possible their medicine should* be mixed with, the food, so that they take it themselves. If, however, it is found necessary to drench them, secure the lower jaw, and when the pig cease® to squeal the drench may be given. An old boot with th® toe cap cut out is recommended by experienced men. Sheep should be placed on their rumps and given the medicine slowly. If. drenched standing there is great risk of it running into the lungs. Dogs should have a pocket made at th® side of the mouth by placing the neck of bottle between the cheek and teeth. This gives the mouth and tongue full movement, and the bottle is not between the t e eth.—“Leader.”