Medicine Administration

Methods in Animals

Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org

 METHODS OF
ADMINISTERING MEDICINE
• Topical – applied to skin or mucous
membranes of eye,ear, or nasal passage
– Ex. Ointments, powders, aerosols
• Oral – given by mouth by feeding, balling
gun, drench applicator (gun), or dose
syringe
– Ex. Pills, tablets, capsules, liquids
• Anal or rectal – introduced into rectum
– Ex. Suppository
Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org
 Methods, cont.
• Nasal – introduced into the nose
– Ex. Spray for respiratory virus
• Injectable – placed directly into animal’s
body with needle and syringe
– Ex. Intravenous, intramuscular, intradermal
• Intrauterine – introduced directly into uterus
– Ex. Bolus placed in uterus after calving
problems
Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org
 Common Types of Animal Medical Equipment
• Balling Gun – used to administer pills, capsules, or
boluses orally
• Syringe – used with needle to administer liquid
injectables
• Thermometer – inserted into animal’s rectum to check
body temperature
• Drench Gun – used to administer orally liquid
medications
• Speculum Tube – 20-inch metal tube used with a
rubber tube to relieve cattle of bloat
• Implant Gun – used to deposit growth stimulant pellets
in back of ear

Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org

 TYPES OF
INJECTIONS

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 SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION
(SUB Q)

Made in any area where skin fits loosely, such

a neck, chest wall, or flank; dosage is
deposited under raised skin, and area is then
massaged to facilitate distribution.
Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org
Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org
Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org
 INTRAMUSCULAR
INJECTION (IM)

Made deeply into large muscle with needle at

least ¾ inch long. Not placed in high priced
meat areas, can damaged muscle tissue.

Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org

Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org
Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org
 INTRAVENOUS INJECTION
(IV)

Made directly into jugular vein with 14- or

16- gauge. 1 ½ to 2- inch needle with point
toward animal’s heart. Fastest route for
medicine.
Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org
 INTRAPERITONEAL
INJECTION (IP)

Made into right flank at point in center of

triangle formed by loin, last rib, and line
from top of last rib to hip bone.

Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org

Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org
Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org
 INFUSION INTRAMAMMARY
(IMM)

Made with cannula directly into teat canal

after disinfecting teat and depressing teat to
open sphincter muscle. Mastitis (infection)

Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org

Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org
 INTRARUMINAL INJECTION
(IR)

Made through the left flank with a 14-gauge,

3-inch needle. Used to relieve bloat and
injecting medicine directly into the rumen.

Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org

Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org
 INTRADERMAL INJECTION
(ID)

Made into skin with a 20- to 26-gauge needle.

Should raise a blister. Hair is shaven in area.

Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org

Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org
 That’s All for Now

Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit www.kashvet.org