ARTEEIOTOMY. 



515 



opened, but in the direction of its axis. The stream differs from 

 that which flows from a vein, and instead of issuing with a regu- 

 lar flow, escapes per saltiim, or by alternating leaps, synchronous 

 with the action of the heart. It also differs from that of the veins 

 in color, being of a lighter and brighter red. As the apjplication 

 of a pin suture will scarcely be sufficient to perfectly suppress the 

 flow, pressure must be resorted to, either by direct apphcation 

 over the posterior border of the maxillary bone, or over the place 

 where the artery passes, or by covering the incision with a pad of 

 oakum, retained by means of a circular bandage passing by sev- 

 eral tm-ns over the upper part of the head. The animal should 

 be tied up for several days after the bleeding, or until the closing 

 of the artery is fully assured. 



{b) Bleeding at the Posterior Auricular. — Though the trans- 

 versal of the face can be opened in large ruminants, as well as in 

 horses, arteriotomy in those animals is more commonly performed 

 upon the posterior auricular, where it is attended by aU the con- 

 ditions of size and position required to serve the convenience of 

 the surgeon. In cattle, upon which it has been practiced for both 

 its general and local effects, it has been, recommended in diseases 

 of the brain, and for affections of the eyes and other parts of the 

 head. The posterior auricular runs under the j^arotid gland from 

 the base of the concha upward on its external face, near its supe- 



PlG. 448.— Anatomy of the Posterior Auricular Artery in Cattle. 



