4^2 WOUNDS. 



thick, as formerly, but are found to act best when rather 

 thin. 



WOUNDS OF THE VEINS. 



When a large vein is divided, it should be secured by a 

 ligature above and below, or the anastomosing branches 

 may continue the bleeding : when smaller veins are divided, 

 the haemorrhage soon ceases spontaneously, 



INFLAMMATION OF VEINS, OR PHLEBITIS. 



Inflammation of the veins is often a very serious affection. 

 In the horse, the course of the disease always rises above 

 the opening made into the vessels, thus in the neck it 

 mounts towards the head, in the limbs it extends towards 

 the heart. Previously, however, to entering on the subject, 

 it must be premised that occasionally plebotomy is followed 

 by simple inflammation of the divided integuments and cel- 

 lular substance ; and which is apparently brought on by 

 the mere effusion of blood during the act : or by some 

 escape of it afterwards ; or, perhaps, from spontaneous in- 

 flammation and serous effusion in the divided integuments 

 and membranes themselves. The swelling thus produced 

 is frequently occasioned by drawing the skin, in pinning up 

 the orifice. It has also been observed to occur when the 

 lancet has been employed by operators not long used to 

 that instrument, which has occasioned the integumental 

 and venous opening to be not exactly opposed to each 

 other. Whenever, therefore, an early extravasation of 

 blood follows bleeding, first having removed the pin, care- 

 fully press out the effused blood with the fingers ; and, 

 if there appear no likelihood of more haemorrhage, do not 

 again insert the pin, but tie the horse's head up that 

 day and night. Should the swelling not be observed im- 

 mediately, or when it happens that inflammation has already 

 taken place within the cellular membrane, first treat by 

 rest, and frequent bathing with a cold solution of muriate of 

 ammonia and vinegar : or apply a mild blister. If the 

 tumour suppurate, as soon as fluctuation is felt, make a 

 depending opening, or introduce a seton through it. We 



