208 Veterinary Elements. 



never be performed during such sickness as colt dis- 

 temper (strangles), influenza (pink eye) or other weak- 

 ening diseases. When done the blood should be taken 

 from the jugular; bleeding from the feet should not be 

 allowed as germ infection, resulting in lockjaw, etc., is 

 liable to occur. The near side is the most convenient on 

 which to operate, the animal should have been blind- 

 folded previously, and the head raised enough to smooth 

 out the skin of the neck; the incision with the fleam is 

 usually made down the neck about ten to twelve inches 

 from the angle of the jaw, the fleam being sharp and 

 clean so as to make a good-sized cut, rapid bleeding being 

 the most beneficial. Eaise the vein, by applying pres- 

 sure over it below the point of operation, either with 

 the thumb or a fine cord drawn tight around the neck. 

 Dampen the hair over the spot to be incised; place the 

 fleam blade parallel to the vein, running in the same 

 direction that is; tap the back of the fleam firmly and 

 the blood will flow out; it should be collected in a pail 

 so that the amount removed may be known; on an aver- 

 age three to four quarts are sufficient to take away; 

 the pulse will also be a guide as to the quantity to be 

 taken; enough blood having been taken, a pin is run 

 through the edges of the wound, a horse hair or piece of 

 fine twine being wound around it in the form of a figure 

 8; the pin can be pulled out in a few days. 



Docking consists of the removal of a portion of an ani- 

 mal's tail; it should only be performed for sanitary rea- 

 sons, as in sheep, especially ewes; or to overcome a dan- 

 gerous habit in horses, such as seizing the reins with the 

 tail, in which case nicking, cutting of the muscles which 



