How should medications be given through SPLs?

• A. Quickly and loudly
• B. Slowly and calmly with positive reinforcement
• C. Only at feeding times
• D. Never after administration

Answer: (B)

The essential idea is that medications given through a subpalpebral lavage system should be delivered slowly and calmly, with positive reinforcement. The SPL delivers drugs directly to the eye, but the system relies on gentle, controlled flow to keep the horse cooperative and to ensure the medicine stays where it’s intended. Administering you with a steady, gradual pace reduces stress for the animal, minimizes blinking or head movement that could disrupt the tubing, and helps prevent rapid bursts of fluid that might cause discomfort or spillage. Using calm handling and mild encouragement makes the process easier to repeat reliably, which is important for treatments that require multiple doses.

Rushing the dose or shouting at the horse increases anxiety and resistance, making the administration harder and less safe. Tying the regimen to feeding times doesn’t address the need for consistent, controlled delivery. And the idea of never following up after administration isn’t practical for ongoing therapy.