BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE— EPISTAXIS 503 



of perchloride of iron, alum, or sulphate of copper. The application of the 

 actual cautery (hot iron) may be made in some cases where the divided 

 vessel is not large. The internal administration of turpentine, lead, opium, 

 or tannic or gallic acid will increase the coagulating power of the blood and 

 assist in filling up the breach. 



BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE— EPISTAXIS 



In race-horses and hunters, when highly strung and in a plethoric 

 condition, bleeding from the nose frequently occurs in the course of a 

 race or the chase, and many a brilliant performer in either capacity has 

 had his career cut short, and the hope and aspirations of both owner and 

 trainer levelled to the ground, by the occurrence of this mishap. 



Bleeding from the nose may be quite accidental, and it is by no means 

 the case that its first occurrence should be followed by a repetition of the 

 event. Where, however, this does occur, and the mishap is repeated from 

 time to time, the existence of some structural weakness of the vascular 

 system may be reasonably inferred. 



It does not, however, follow that it should continue throughout life. 

 Several instances are known to the writer where bleeding from the nose at 

 two Of three years old has repeatedly occurred, to disappear altogether at 

 four or five; but it is poor consolation to an owner of promising and highly 

 engaged youngsters to be told that the capacity for winning races will be 

 reached when all the best opportunities have passed and the stakes safely 

 landed by others. 



Causes. — That weakness of the vascular system is hereditary is well 

 affirmed in certain families of horses, no better example of which could be 

 given than the descendants of that famous sire Hermit, several of whom 

 were hopelessly afilicted as race-horses. 



Bleeding from the nose is usually determined by some severe exertion, 

 sudden eff"ort, or excitement acting upon a naturally weak or over-distended 

 state of the vessels. The latter condition is found in plethora, in con- 

 gestion of the lining membrane of the nostrils, attendant upon cold and 

 certain specific fevers. Sometimes it arises out of a superficial ulceration 

 of the nostrils of a benign character, but more commonly in the destructive 

 ulceration of glanders. It is also a prominent feature in that form of blood 

 disease known as purpura hsemorrhagica. 



Symptoms. — The discharge of blood may not be more than a few 

 drops, or it may flow in a large and continuous stream. In the one 

 case it is a matter of little moment, save as a warning of its possible 

 recurrence, while in the other it may lead to serious mischief and give 



