Abstract: The invention relates to a sanitant arrangement for the application of matter and/or one or more articles to an animal, the arrangement including a member which pierces the skin or hide of an animal. The arrangement further includes a thixotropic sanitant gel, into or through which the member passes before and/or after each use. The invention includes a vaccinator for applying matter such as by injection, and a veterinary appliance for applying identification means to animals. The thixotropic sanitant gel preferably has an oil base, from about 5% to about 9% (W/W) colloidal silicon dioxide and from about 1% to about 10% (W/W) sanitant substance.