makes the animal restless. In order to avoid abscess formation at the point
of injection, the skin should be cleansed with a disinfectant and the
syringe and needle sterilized before using.

[Illustration: FIG. 7.--Hypodermic syringes.]

Drugs are not absorbed through the unbroken skin, but when applied with
friction, or when the outer layer is removed by blistering, absorption may
take place. Liniments, blisters and _poultices_ are the preparations used.

_Volatile drugs_, such as chloroform and ether, are absorbed quickly by the
enormous vascular surface of the lungs. This class of drugs is administered
for the purpose of producing general anaesthesia. _Anaesthetics_ are
indispensable in many surgical operations.

The administration of a drug in the form of _medicated steam_ is quite
useful in combating some respiratory diseases. In steaming large animals a
pail about half full of boiling-hot water to which has been added about an
ounce of coal-tar disinfectant, or whatever drug is required, is held
within about one foot of the animal's nostrils. It is usually advisable to
throw a light cover over the head and pail in order to direct the steam
toward the nostrils. Dogs can be placed on a cane-seated chair and a pail
or pan of boiling-hot water placed under it, and a sheet thrown over all.

Drugs are administered by way of the rectum when the animal can not be
drenched, or the drug can not be given in any other way and when a local
action is desired. An _enema_ or _clyster_ is a fluid injection into the
rectum and is employed for the following purposes: to accelerate the action
of a purgative; to stimulate the peristaltic movement of the intestines; to
kill intestinal parasites; to reduce body temperature; to administer