Pill Giver: Get Boluses and Tablets Down Safely and Fast

Pill Giver: The Bolus Has to Clear the Back of the Tongue

Pushing a bolus in by hand is awkward and rarely ends well. The animal spits it out again and you risk a bite. A bolus gun solves both. It places the bolus or tablet past the back of the tongue, where the swallowing reflex does the rest. For that we stock stainless steel bolus guns in 53 and 70 centimetres plus models for tablets and for the Bufferlyt bolus.

Length, spring and material

The length follows the animal. For sheep, lambs and smaller stock the 53 centimetre gun is enough, and it also takes cage magnets. With large animals and a deep throat you reach for the 70 centimetre version. It holds two boluses at once and has a return spring that pulls the slide back after every dose. That saves a movement and makes a run through several animals noticeably smoother. On material stainless steel is the simple answer: it does not rust, takes hot water and can be cleaned thoroughly after treatment, which is no side issue for a tool that goes into several mouths. For tablets there is also the ergonomically shaped Vuxxx JUNIOR.

How to dose safely

Secure the animal first, ideally against a wall or in a race, and lift the head slightly, but not steeply upwards. Introduce the gun from the side through the gap in the teeth, not from the front between the molars, and push it calmly until it is behind the back of the tongue. Then release, hold the head down briefly and check that the animal has swallowed. Working in a hurry or forcing the gun soon injures the throat. After use take the tool apart, rinse it and put it away dry. Prescription products come from your vet, who also says which dose is right.

Frequently asked questions

Which length do I need?
For sheep and lambs 53 centimetres is enough. With large animals and a deep throat the 70 centimetre version is the better choice.

What does the return spring do?
It pulls the slide back after every dose. You save a movement and get through several animals in a row more quickly.

How do I avoid injuries?
Enter from the side through the gap in the teeth, push calmly and never with force. Keep the head slightly raised, not stretched steeply up.