OPERATION ON THE HORSE. 



145 



old fashion. These hairs not infrequently infected the wound and 

 produced phlebitis. 



Operation on the horse. When using the spring fleam it is of 

 little importance on which side the operation is performed, though 

 some slight advantage accrues from selecting the right. The same 

 is true of the lancet, but the fleam can be used most conveniently 

 on the left. At the. junction of the upper and middle thirds 

 of the neck a small area of skin should be shaved and disinfected 

 (Figs. 204 and 205), this preparation minimising the danger of 



Ficj. 204. — Bleeding with the spring 

 fleam ; off side. 



Fig. 205 



-Bleeding with the spring 

 fleam ; near side. 



phlebitis. The head is held slightly elevated by an assistant. 

 Troublesome horses may be twitched, and the fore-foot on the 

 side of operation may be lifted. When using the ordinary fleam 

 the horse's eyes should be covered, because at the moment of 

 striking the blow the animal is apt to start, defeating the operator ; 

 but of course this is not likely to occur in using the lancet or spring 

 fleam. Having cocked the spring fleam, the operator stands beside 

 the animal's shoulder, and with the thumb or fingers of the left hand 

 compresses the vein, causing it to be distended. 



Should there be any doubt as to the exact spot to select, the 



