252 NAVIN ox THE HORSE. 



from the toe is practiced in inflammation of the foot and 

 severe strains and loruises about the feet. 



I have only spoken of the fleam as the instrument for bleed- 

 ing from superficial veins. A large spring lancet may be 

 used, and there is probably less danger of cutting through the 

 opposite wall of the vein with it than with the fleam. It 

 would, perhaj^s, be better for the inexperienced bleeder to 

 use the spring lancet; but the best instrument, in an expert 

 hand, is a good thumb lancet. 



I have said nothing about bleeding from the bars of the 

 mouth. I would recommend this in no case. It has no ad- 

 vantage in any case, but many disadvantages and dangers. 

 If the cut is small enough blood to produce any good effect 

 can not be cb^awn, and if the cut is large, fatal bleeding may 

 be the result. There is great danger of wounding the arteries 

 of the mouth, and then the bleeding becomes extremely diffi- 

 cult to stop. If the bars have been cut and the bleeding 

 does not stop, a sponge or cloth, wet with cold water, may 

 first be tried. If this fail, a pledget of tow or a roll of 

 muslin may be fastened on the middle of a long strip of mus- 

 lin, about two and a half inches wide, and then placed on the 

 bleeding vessels, and bound firmly there, by bringing the strij^s 

 across the nose, and then through the throat-latch of the 

 bridle, and then back over the nose, and tie. By this means 

 a suflicient pressure is made to stop the blood. 



Many persons entertain a strong prejudice against bleed- 

 ing; and this prejudice is shared by some authors for whose 

 opinions I have very great respect ; but in this matter I must 

 differ with them, and give my reasons for so doing. I shall 

 then endeavor to answer the objections that are urged against 

 bleeding, and it will be remembered that I am arguing with 

 veterinary surgeons, and not with human doctors. The argu- 

 ments in favor of bleeding, in those diseases for which it is 

 recommended, are founded on the known and universally 

 admitted effects it has on the system, and on the experience 



