' 60 THE HORSE. 



the fieam, 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, ii 

 would be apt to roll or slip under the blow. The point to be selected is 

 about two inclies below the union of the two portions of the jugular at the 

 angle of the jaw (see cut, p. 119). 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 

 ^vill flow. A fleam with a large blade should always be preferred, for the 

 operation will be materially sliortened, wliich will be a matter of some con- 

 sequence with a restive horse ; and a quantity of blood drawn speedily will 

 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 instru- 

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

 x)r 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 too much from the neck, as blood will insinuate 

 itself between the skin and the muscles beneath, and cause an unsightly 

 and sometimes troublesome swelling. 



The blood should be received into a vessel, the dimensions of which are 

 exactly known, so that the operator may be able to calculate at every period 

 of the bleeding the quantity that is subtracted. Care likewise should be 

 taken that the blood flow in a regular stream into the centre of the vessel ; 

 for if it be suffered to trickle down the sides, it will not afterwards undergo 

 those changes by which we partially judge of the extent of inflammation. 

 The pulse, however, and the symptoms of the case collectively, will form a 

 better criterion than any change in the blood. Twenty-four hours after the 

 operation, the edges of the wound will hava united, and the pin should be 

 withdrawn. When the bleeding is to be repealed, if more than three or four 

 hours have elapsed, it will be more prudent to make a fresh incision rather 

 than to open the old wound. 



Few directions are necessary for the use of the lancet. They who are 

 competent to operate with it, will scarcely require any. If the point be 

 sufficiently sharp, the lancet can scarcely be too 'broad-shouldered ; and an 

 abscess-lancet will generally make a freer incision than that in common use. 

 A spring-lancet has lately been invented, by which any one may bleed from 

 the jugular, or from a smaller vein, safely and certainly. Whatever instru- 

 ment be adopted, too much care cannot be taken to have it perfectly clean 

 and very sharp. It should always be carefully wiped and dried immedj 

 ately after the operation ; otherwise, in a very short time, the edges wiU 

 begin to corrode. 



For general bleeding, the jugular vein is selected, as the largest super- 

 ficial vein, and the most easily got at. In every affection of I'le heai. 



