248 BLEEDING. 



to the enlarged mucous bag rather than to the distended vein. Both of thcso 

 diseases, however, render a horse unsound, and materially lessen his value. 



Old farriers used to tie the vein, and so cut off altogether the flow of the blood 

 Some of them, a little more rational, dissected out the bag which caused the 

 distension of the vein : but the modern and more prudent way is to endeavour 

 to promote the absorption of the contents of the bag. This may be attempted 

 by pressure long applied. A bandage may be contrived to take in the whole of 

 the hock, except its point ; and a compress made of folded linen being placed on 

 the bog-spavin, may confine the principal pressure to that part. It is, however, 

 very difficult to adapt a bandage to a joint which admits of such extensive 

 motion ; therefore most practitioners apply two or three successive blisters over 

 the enlargement, when it usually disappears. Unfortunately, however, it returns 

 if any extraordinary exertion is required from the horse. 



BLEEDING. 



This operation is performed with a fleam or a lancet. The first is the com- 

 mon instrument, and the safest, except in skilful hands. The lancet, however, 

 has a more surgical appearance, and will be adopted by the veterinary practi- 

 tioner. A bloodstick a piece of hard wood loaded at one end with lead is 

 used to strike the fleam into the vein. This is sometimes done with too great 

 violence, and the opposite side of the coat of the vein is wounded. Bad cases 

 of inflammation have resulted from this. If the fist is doubled, and the fleam 

 is sharp and is struck with sufficient force with the lower part of the hand, the 

 bloodstick may be dispensed with. 



For general bleeding the jugular vein is selected. The horse is blindfolded 

 on the side on which he is to be bled, or his head turned well away. The hair 

 is smoothed along the course of the vein with the moistened finger ; then, with 

 the third and little fingers of the left hand, which holds the fleam, pressure is 

 made on the vein sufficient to bring it fairly into view, but not to swell it too 

 much, for then, presenting a rounded surface, it would be apt to roll or slip 

 under the blow. The point to be selected is about two inches below the union 

 of the two portions of the jugular at the angle of the jaw (see cut, p. 248). The 

 fleam is to be placed in a direct line with the course of the vein, and over the 

 precise centre of the vein, as close to it as possible, but its point not absolutely 

 touching the vein. A sharp rap with the bloodstick or the hand on that part 

 of the back of the fleam immediately over the blade, will cut through the vein, 

 and the blood will flow. A fleam with a large blade should always be pre- 

 ferred, for the operation will be materially shortened, and this will be a matter 

 of some consequence with a fidgety or restive horse. A quantity of blood drawn 

 speedily will also have far more effect on the system than double the weight 

 slowly taken, while the wound will heal just as readily as if made by a smaller 

 instrument. There is no occasion to press so hard against the neck with the 

 pail, or can, as some do ; a slight pressure, if the incision has been large enough 

 and straight, and in the middle of the vein, will cause the blood to flow sufficiently 

 fast ; or, the finger being introduced into the mouth between the tushes and 

 the grinders, and gently moved about, will keep the mouth in motion, and hasten 

 the rapidity of the stream by the action and pressure of the neighbouring muscles. 



When sufficient blood has been taken, the edges of the wound should be 

 brought closely and exactly together, and kept together by a small sharp pin 

 being passed through them. Round this a little tow, or a few hairs from the 

 mane of the horse, should be wrapped, so as to cover the whole of the incision ; 

 and the head of the horse should be tied up for several hours to prevent his 

 rubbing the part against the manger. In bringing the edges of the wound 

 together, and introducing the pin, care should be taken not to draw the skin 





