AETERIES AND VEINS. 135 



In all external arteries, although it would not be 

 prudent for the non-professional man to attempt to 

 effect stoppage of bleeding by means of ligature, for 

 fear of involving nerves, &c., he should, nevertheless, 

 immediately attempt to check the flow of blood by 

 compression, both above and below the wounded part. 

 The best means known of effecting the stoppage of 

 bleeding operate on the principle of pressure, and the 

 following will be found the most simple : — 



Tie a cord or band round the limb, or neck, or body, 

 as the case may be, about six inches above and below 

 the wound, so as to check the flow of blood ; then 

 endeavour to bring the edges of the wounded artery 

 together ; then take square pieces of lint and fold them 

 into compresses, soaking the lower compress, previous 

 to application, in cold vinegar ; put compress after 

 compress on, taking care they increase considerably in 

 dimensions as they are further removed from the wound; 

 then take a flannel bandage and roll it round and round 

 the compresses and tie it securely. This done, remove 

 gradually both the external cord, ligatures, &c, and 

 keep the horse as still as possible ; after which, if no 

 further bleeding take place, the case may go on well. 



The veterinary surgeon should at once be sent for, 

 and should the artery require tying, he will be able to 

 perform the operation with every chance of success ; 

 and he will be able to lessen or increase the pressure 

 of the compress, as occasion may require. 



