BLEEDIXG. 459 



one end -witli lead — is used to strike the fleam into the vein. This is 

 sometimes done with too great violence, and the opposite side of the coat 

 of the vein is wounded. Bad cases of inflammation have resulted from 

 ihis. If the fist is doubled, and the fleam is sharp and is struck ^yith. 

 sufficient force with the lower joart of the hand, the blood-stick may be 

 dispensed with. 



For general bleeding the jugular vein is selected. The horse is blind- 

 folded on the side on wliich he is to be bled, or his head turned well away. 

 The hair is smoothed along the course of the vein with the moistened 

 finger ; then, with the third and little fingers of the left hand, which holds 

 the fleam, pressure is made on the vein sufficient to bring it fairly into 

 view, but not to swell it too much, for then, presenting a rounded surface, 

 it would be apt to roll or slip under the blow. The point to be selected is 

 about two inches below the union of the two portions of the jugular at 

 the angle of the jaw (see cut, p. 199). The fleam is to be placed in a 

 direct line with the course of the vein, and over the precise centre of the 

 vein, as close to it as possible, but its point not absolutely touching the 

 vein. A sharp rap with the blood-stick or the hand on that part of the 

 back of the fleam immediately over the blade, vnll cut through the vein, 

 and the blood -will flow. A fleftm with a large blade should always bo 

 preferred, for the operation will be materially shortened, and this will be a 

 matter of some consequence Avith a fidgety or restive horse. A quantity 

 of blood drawn speedily will also have far more effect on the system than 

 double the weight slowly taken, while the wound will heal just as readily 

 as if made by a smaller instrument. There is no occasion to press so hard 

 against the neck with the pail, or can, as some do ; a slight pressure, if the 

 incision has been large enough and straight, and in the middle of the vein, 

 will cause the blood to flow sufficiently fast ; or, the finger being introduced 

 into the mouth between the tushes and the grinders, and gently moved 

 about, ydW keep the mouth in motion, and hasten the rapidity of the stream 

 by the action and pressure of the neighbouring muscles. 



"Wlien sufficient blood has been taken, the edges of the wound should be 

 brought closely and exactly together, and kept together by a small sharp 

 pin being passed through them. Round this a httle tow, or a few hairs 

 from the mane of the horse, should be wi'apped, so as to cover the whole 

 of the incision ; and the head of the horse should be tied up for several 

 hours to prevent his rubbing the part against the manger. In bringing 

 the edges of the Avound together, and introducing the pin, care should be 

 taken not to draw the skin too much from the neck, otherwise blood will 

 insinuate itself between it and the muscles beneath, and cause an unsightly 

 and sometimes troublesome swelling. 



The blood should be received into a vessel the dimensions of which are 

 exactly knoA\Ti, so that the operator may be able to calculate at every perioc? 

 of the bleeding the quantity that is subtracted. Care likewise should be 

 taken that the blood floAvs in a regiilar stream into the centre of the A^essel, 

 for if it is suffered to trickle down the sides, it A^dll not afterAvards undergo 

 those changes by Avhich Ave partially judge of the extent of inflammation. 

 The pulse, however, and the symptoms of the case collectiA^ely, Avill form a 

 better criterion than any change in the blood. Twenty-four hours after 

 the operation, the edges of the Avound will have united, and the pin should 

 be AvithdraAvn. When the bleeding is to be repeated, if more than three 

 or four hours have elapsed, it Avill be better to make a fresh incision rather 

 than to open the old Avound. 



Few directions are necessary for the use of the lancet. They aa'Iio are 

 competent to operate Avdth it, Avill scarcely require any. If the point is 

 sufficiently shai'p the lancet can scarcely be too broad-shouldered ; and an 



