BLEEDING. ...BLINDNESS. 85 



bleeding. 



Dogs are much benefited by bleeding* in many diseases, 

 as inflammations of the lungs, stomach, bowels, &c. In some 

 cases of mange, in dry inflammatory coug-hs, and in fits, bleed- 

 ing- is very useful also. ^ 



Dogs may be conveniently bled by the jugular or neck 

 vein, with a fleam or common lancet ; but the latter is much 

 preferable. A ligature of tape or riband being- put round the 

 lower part of the neck, and the head being held up, the vein 

 will swell and protrude itself on each side of the windpipe, 

 about one inch from it. It will, however, be necessary pre- 

 viously to cut the hair away if it is very thick, after which 

 the puncture can be easily made with a common lancet. 

 Nothing is necessary in general cases to stop the bleeding, 

 but to remove the ligature; nor is any pin, plaster, or band- 

 age, requisite for the orifice. When circumstances prevent 

 blood being drawn from the neck, the ear may be punctured, 

 or an incision may be made withinside of the flap of it, but 

 not through its substance. Or the tail may be cut in despe- 

 rate cases : but, when this is done, it is better to cut off a 

 small piece than to merely make an incision underneath; for 

 I have seen, when this has been injudiciously done, the whole 

 tail mortify and drop off. 



The quantity of blood drawn should be regulated by the 

 size of the dog : for a very small dog, one or two ounces are 

 sufficient; for a middling sized dog, three or four ounces ; and 

 for a large dog, five, six, seven, or eight ounces, according 

 to the size and strength of the patient, and the nature of the 

 disease he labours under. 



blindness. 



Dogs may lose the sight of one, or of both eyes, by the 

 operation of several causes. Distemper will often produce an 



