B877
Using a Mouth Speculum
or Balling Gun

The fingers of one hand should be placed into the mouth, forcing pressure on the upper palate. This will cause the cow to open its mouth.

 

The speculum or balling gun should then be placed into the mouth and over the back of the tongue. The cow has a large tissue bump (torus linguae) at the back of the tongue. Because of this, it is often difficult to get the instrument to the back of the mouth. With persistence and light pressure, the speculum/balling gun can be guided over the torus linguae.

 

Once the speculum is in place, it should be held with one hand at all times. This will prevent the cow from swallowing the speculum. The head should be raised slightly and boluses slowly administered.

If a balling gun is chosen, care should be taken to avoid lacerating the tongue, cheek pouches, and the back of the mouth. When using balling guns, do not use excessive force, or guns that are damaged and have sharp edges.