Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit

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

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

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

TYPES OF INJECTIONS Compilation: AECD, California || For more e-learning resources visit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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