What is a balling gun used for?

• A. Giving parenteral injections to large animals
• B. Removing hairballs from the stomach of rabbits
• C. Giving drugs orally to livestock
• D. Administering anesthetics to nonhuman primates

Answer: (C)

A balling gun is used to deliver oral medications to livestock. It carries a medicated capsule or bolus and is placed in the animal’s mouth; when the gun is activated, the capsule is propelled toward the back of the throat so the animal swallows it. This method is chosen when medication must be given by mouth, especially if the animal won’t eat medicated feed or drink medicated water, or when a precise single-dose delivery is needed. It is not intended for injections, not a tool for removing hairballs in rabbits, and not used for administering anesthetics.