DISEASES OF ANIMALS. 37 



Bleeding is practised as a very speedy reliet in some 

 disorders. It reduces at once ttie circulation in the sys- 

 tem, and diminishes nervous power. It is considered 

 useful in the following cases : 



1. In all kinds of inflammatory complaints, whether 

 general or local. 



2. In violent colds, catarrh, and influenza. 



3. When inflammation is apprehended from bruises, 

 internal or external strains, wounds or injuries of any 

 kind. 



4. When, from the exhibition of humors, as in cutane- 

 ous eruptions, sores, swelling of the glands, &c., the 

 blood appears to be in a vitiated condition. 



5. In cases of yellows in horses, and jaundice in cattle, 

 attended with fever and constipation of the bowels. 



Bleeding does not remove the cause of disease, but it 

 2:ives temporary relief, and sometimes saves from a sud- 

 iien and fatal termination, affording time and opportunity 

 (o remove the cause, and administer restorative medicines. 

 We will suppose that there is a violent aff'ection of the 

 Ijrain, by the determination of blood to that organ, that 

 would prove fatal before medicines could operate, or a 

 restorative course could be pursued. By bleeding, the 

 circulation could be reduced immediately and relief 

 a {forded, and then by physic, diuretics, light food and 

 otlier favorable treatment, the animal might be restored 

 to health. 



In acute inflammation, it is not only necessary to bleed 

 copiously, but it should be done speedily, and the blood 

 should run largely, as more efiect is produced on the 

 disease by one quart taken quickly, in a full stream, than 

 by double that quantity allowed to dribble down slowly ; 

 as a powerful efiect is produced on the disease, before 

 the organs can accommodate themselves to the loss. 



The quantity of blood taken must depend on various 



circumstances, such as the nature of the disease, size and 



condition of the animal, &c. &c. In very sudden and 



v^lolent cases, it is recommended to bleed freely, even till 



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