Introduction to Methods of Drug Administration

Oral Administration:

• Boluses: Large tablets administered using a balling gun, often used for deworming or supplementing minerals.
• Drenches: Liquid medications given orally using a drenching gun or syringe, commonly used for deworming.
• Feed Additives: Medications or supplements mixed with feed or water, useful for large herds or flocks.

Topical Administration:

• Pour-ons: Liquid formulations applied along the backline of the animal, commonly used for parasite control.
• Sprays: Used for external parasites or wounds. Requires even application to ensure coverage.
• Ointments/Creams: Applied directly to wounds, skin infections, or areas of inflammation. These formulations usually have a prolonged action due to their slow absorption.

Injectable Administration:

• Intramuscular (IM): Injection into the muscle, commonly in the neck or rump. Used for vaccines, antibiotics, and hormones.
• Subcutaneous (SC): Injection under the skin, often in the neck region. Less painful and has a slower absorption rate than IM.
• Intravenous (IV): Direct injection into a vein, used for rapid administration of fluids, electrolytes, or emergency drugs.
• Intramammary: Used specifically for treating mastitis in dairy cows, where medication is directly infused into the udder through the teat canal.

Short Point-Wise Notes:

• Oral: Drenches, boluses, feed additives.
• Topical: Pour-ons, sprays, ointments.
• Injectable: IM, SC, IV, intramammary injections.