BLEEDING. 18 



inlargt Winlgalls and th oroughpins are instances f this. There is one of them 

 on the inside of the ho^k at its bending. This sometimes becomes considerably 

 increased in size, and the enlargement is called a bog-spavin. A vein passes over this 

 bag, which is pressed between the enlargement and the skin, and the passage of the 

 blood through it is impeded ; the vein is consequently distended by the accumulated 

 blood, and the distension reaches from this ba<r as low down as the next valve. This 

 is called a blood-spavin. Blood-spavin then is the consequence of bog-spavin. It 

 very rarely occurs, and is, in the majority of instances, confounded with bog-spavin. 



Blood-spavin does not always cause lameness, except the horse is very hard- 

 worked, and then it is doubtful whether the lameness should not be attributed to the 

 enlarged mucous bag rather than to the distended vein. Both of these 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 disten- 

 sion 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 practi- 

 tioners 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 common 

 instrument, and the safest, except in skilful hands. The lancet, however, has a more 

 surgical appearance, and will be adopted by the veterinary practitioner. A blood- 

 stick 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 in 

 about two inches below the union of the two portions of the jugular at the angle of 

 the jaw (see cut, p. 125). 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 preferred, 

 for the operation will be materially shortened, and this will be a matter of some con- 

 sequence 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, can 



