SPRING FLEAMS. 



149 



deli\-eriiic^ the stroke the arm should not be moved as a whole, but 

 only from the elbow. 



Sprin^^ fleams (Figs, 178 and 179) are intended to overcome the fore- 

 going difficult}'. They always cut to a given depth, and produce a wound 

 of gi\-en size. The case of the fleam is provided with an opening (C) 

 for the passage of the fleam (F), which is withdrawn into the case and 

 set by drawing back the cocking lever (A), leaving the plate [C) free 

 for application to the vein. Having placed the instrument accurately 

 in position the operator depresses the trigger (D), releasing the fleam, 

 which makes a rapid to-and-fro movement, dividing the skin and 

 opening the vein. As the instrument is readily placed in position, 



F"iG. 17S. — Spring fleam : 

 old form. 



Fig. 179. — Spring fleam : later form. 



calls for no skill on the operator's part, always cuts in the right 

 direction and to the right length and depth, and can be regulated, it 

 continues to enjo}' some popularity, despite its being complicated and 

 difficult to clean. 



When bleeding oxen a bleeding string is required, i.'e. a stout 

 cord provided at one end with a ring. By passing the cord round the 

 neck and through the ring and drawing it tight, temporary engorge- 

 ment of the jugular is produced, which facilitates operation. Except 

 for very heavy, fat animals it is not used in equine practice. 



The blood should be received in a vessel of measured capacit\-, so 

 that the amount removed ma\- be accurateh' known. 



The skin wound is almost invariabl\- closed with a pin suture, 



