498 OPEEATIONS ON THE CIKCULATOKY SYSTEM. 



but in the middle third of its length becomes separated from it bj 

 the flat ribbon-like structure of the sub-scapulo or omo-hyoideus, 

 whose fibres pass obliquely between the two blood vessels, from 

 below upward. It is, therefore, in the middle third of the neck 

 that the bleeding at the jugular must be made, in order to avoid 

 wounding the carotid artery. 



Besides the general rules already stated, this special bleeding 

 requires peculiar measures. 



(a) Position of the Animal. — He must be kept well in hand, 

 with the head somewhat elevated, and must be prevented from 

 seeing the various movements of the operator, by covering his 

 head with the cap or mask, or by having the eye, on the side of the 

 operator, covered with the hand of an assistant. 



{b) The fleam is generally employed, the size of the blade vary- 

 ing according to the thickness of the skin and the condition of the 

 blood vessels. The left jugular is generally selected, unless contra- 

 indicated for some special reasons. 



(c) Preparation of the J^ein. — The application of artificial 

 pressure for the dilatation of the vein is not only unnecessary in 

 solipeds, but has in some cases proved dangerous. In this step of 

 the operation the hand is to be preferred as safer and more reli- 

 able than any ligature or bandage can possibly be. 



The compression is made with the fingers of the hand which 

 holds the fleam, applying it in the jugular groove, below the point 

 where the incision is to be made. The projection of the vein may 

 be made more distinct by moistening the hair over the spot to 

 be punctured, with a wet sponge. The improper habit to which 

 some practitioners are addicted, of doing this with their saliva, by 

 spitting upon the neck is to be severely condemned. If the bleed- 

 ing takes place on the left side, the pressure must be made with 

 the left hand, the operator turning his back toward the hind parts 

 of the animal. If it takes place on the right side, the pressure is 

 made with the fingers of the right hand. 



(d) 02yening of the Vein. — Placed as we have described, at 

 the side of the neck of the patient, his back turned toward his 

 hind parts, and pressing with the fingers of his left hand which 

 holds the fleam, as before stated, the operator grasps the bleeding- 

 stick, and striking upon the fleam, opens the vein, and the blood 

 escapes in a good, full stream. Maintaining the pressure on the 

 vein throughout the flowing of the blood, he lays aside the stick 



