Routes of Administration for Animals
Oral Administration
The most common route of administration for cattle, pigs, and poultry is the oral route. Substances can be administered directly into the mouth, mixed in with food or other foodstuffs, or given via oro-gastric or oro-esophageal intubation.
Drugs Applied to the Skin or Mucous Membranes
Some drugs can be applied topically to the skin or mucous membranes. This route of administration is often used for local effects, such as pain relief or wound healing.
Other Routes of Administration
Other routes of administration include:
- Intravenous (IV): Injection into a vein
- Intramuscular (IM): Injection into a muscle
- Subcutaneous (SC): Injection under the skin
- Intraperitoneal (IP): Injection into the peritoneal cavity
- Inhalation: Delivered as a gas or aerosol
The choice of route of administration depends on several factors, including the desired effect of the substance, the species of animal, and the volume of substance being administered.
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