BLINDNESS — BLOOD 



is lacerated, as the blood should be stopped above the wound 

 in the former case, and below it in the latter. If the bleeding 

 is from the nostrils or mouth, ice or cold water should be 

 applied to the head. It may be added that hemorrhage from 

 a vein trickles from the wound, whereas if it comes from an 

 artery it spurts out ; the blood from an artery is also lighter 

 in colour than that coming from a veiii. (See Burst Blooa 

 Vessels^ Tourniquet?) 



Blindness. — Many blind horses are excellent workers 

 in harness, provided they are carefully driven ; and hence it 

 is unnecessary to part with an old favourite should this 

 misfortune overtake him. (See Cataract^ Eyes, Ophthalmia.) 



Blinkers. — The leather shields fixed to the bridle or 

 head collar behind the eyes of horses to prevent their seeing, 

 excepting in front of them. (See Harness.) 



Blistering. — The use of blisters is recognised by all 

 veterinarians, and so long as unnecessary severity is not 

 associated with their use, they are undoubtedly of much 

 service in many cases. Before applying a blister, the hair, 

 if it is long, should be cut short, and the place must always 

 be washed clean with soap and water. If the part affected 

 be fomented beforehand, the action of the blister will be 

 more severe. Should the parts which have been treated 

 burst after they have commenced to dry, the application of 

 a little linseed oil or vaseline will allay the irritation. The 

 horse's head must be kept racked up short, or a cradle fixed 

 on his neck to prevent him gnawing the sore when it itches. 



The principal substances which are used for blisters are 

 turpentine, mustard, mercurial red ointment and cantharides. 

 (See Cradle, Prescriptions.) 



Blood. — The amount of blood a horse contains in his 

 body is about one-eighteenth of his weight, distributed, 

 roughly speaking, as follows : — heart and larger blood vessels, 



29 



