Part 9

VIRUS.--A poison of an infectious disease, especially one found in the system of an animal suffering from an infectious disease, as hog cholera, cowpox or rabies virus, etc.

VULNERARY.--Any medicine or compound used in the treatment of wounds, as ointments, liniments, etc.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINES

The following methods of administering medicines in order of their rapidity of absorption, beginning with the method by which absorption is most rapid, and following with those by which absorption is less rapid and finally least rapid: 1. Intravenous, by injection into veins. 2. By inhalation (volatile drugs). 3. Subcutaneous, by injection into subcutaneous tissue. 4. Intratracheal, by injection into the trachea (or wind pipe). 5. Oral, by the mouth. 6. Rectal, by the rectum. 7. Inunction, by the skin. 8. Intramammary injections.

WHEN MEDICINES SHOULD BE ADMINISTERED

The curative effects of medicines may be restrained, changed in form or prevented by untimely administration.

Medicines intended to act on the mucous membrane of the stomach should only be given when that organ is empty. If distant parts are to be affected in the most prompt and efficient manner and the medicine is free from distinct irritating qualities, it should be taken on an empty stomach; as when digestion is going on, the contents of the stomach are acid in reaction and if alkalies are given combinations take place and salts are formed. If alkalies are given before digestion begins, diffusion of the acid-forming constituents of the blood takes place, and in this way the acidity of the gastric juice is promoted; likewise acids given before meals increase the diffusion of the alkaline constituents of the blood.

METHODS OF ADMINISTERING MEDICINES

Drenching, bit, balling gun, capsule gun, bottle, dose syringe and hypodermic syringe.

Anaesthetics administered in feed bags or proper inhaler.

TABLES USED IN PRESCRIPTION WRITING

APOTHECARIES OR TROY WEIGHT.

20 Grains (Granum) (Gr. or Grs.) = 1 Scruple. 3 Scruples (Scrupulum) (Sc.) = 1 Drachm (60 Grs.) 8 Drachms (Drachma) (ʒ) = 1 Ounce. 12 Ounces (Uncia) (℥) = 1 Pound (℔)

In prescription writing the pound sign should not be used; always express large quantities by ounces.

APOTHECARIES’ LIQUID MEASURE.

60 Minims (Minimum) (M. or Ms.) = 1 Fluid Drachm. 8 Fluid Drachms (Fluid Drachma) (fl. ʒ) = 1 Fluid Ounce. 16 Fluid Ounces (Fluid Uncia) (fl. ℥) = 1 Pint. 2 Pints (Octarius) (O.) = 1 Quart. 4 Quarts or 8 Pints = 1 Gallon (congius--C.)

In prescribing liquids the abbreviation for Quarts (Qts.) is never used. If a quart is desired it is expressed as two pints (Oij).

APPROPRIATE EQUIVALENTS OF WINE UNITS IN DOMESTIC MEASURES.

Teaspoon = ʒi. Dessert spoon = ʒii. Table spoon = ℥ss. Cup = ℥iv. Tumbler = ℥viii.

TABLES FOR REGULATING THE DOSES FOR YOUNG ANIMALS

HORSES.

3 years old and upward, full dose. From 1¹⁄₂ years old to 3 years, ¹⁄₂ dose. From 9 to 18 months old, ¹⁄₄ dose. From 4¹⁄₂ to 9 months old, ¹⁄₈ dose. From 1 to 4¹⁄₂ months old, ¹⁄₁₆ dose.

CATTLE.

2 years old and upward, full dose. From 1 to 2 years old, ¹⁄₂ dose. From ¹⁄₂ to 1 year, ¹⁄₄ dose. From 3 to 6 months, ¹⁄₈ dose. From 1 to 3 months, ¹⁄₁₆ dose.

SHEEP.

2 years old and upward, full dose. From 1 to 2 years old, ¹⁄₂ dose. From ¹⁄₂ to 1 year, ¹⁄₄ dose. From 3 to 6 months, ¹⁄₈ dose. From 1 to 3 months, ¹⁄₁₆ dose.

PIGS.

1¹⁄₂ years and upward, full dose. From 9 to 18 months old, ¹⁄₂ dose. From 4¹⁄₂ to 9 months, ¹⁄₄ dose. From 2¹⁄₂ to 4¹⁄₄ months, ¹⁄₈ dose. From 1 to 2¹⁄₂ months, ¹⁄₁₆ dose.