342 



DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 



CHAP. LVII. 



OPERATIONS. 



Ble^ding, and its Consequences. 



This operation Is frequently required in the diseases of liorses; 

 and If employed seasonably, and to a sufficient extent, Is the 

 most efficacious remedy wc are acquainted with. When ahorse 

 appears dull and heavy, and Indifferent about his food, by bleed- 

 ing we often prevent a fever. If a horse Is bled at the com- 

 mencement of a cold, the complaint generally proves moderate, 

 and of short continuance. In all cases of Internal Inflammation, 

 or symptomatic fever, bleeding Is the most essential remedy, 

 provided the operation be performed at an early period, and the 

 blood drawn in sufficient quantity. In such cases I have often 

 taken away six quarts or more, and repeated the operation the 

 same or the following day when It appeared necessary. By 

 bleeding copiously at first, those formidable diseases are often 

 crushed at once ; while by suffering them to proceed, or become 

 at all violent, which they will do unless this practice Is adopted 

 (or If only a small quantity of blood is drawn), they generally 

 prove fatal. 



Bleeding Is either 2;eneral or local : that is. It is done either 

 so as to affect the system in general, or a particular part only. 



Lancets. 



This lancet is usually employed for bleed- 

 ing. The blade with concave edge 

 is used for opening abscesses. 



2,H;iC;- 



Improved Fleam, 



This fleam, introduced by the Editor, is 

 recommended as being very li^ht and 

 small, so as to be carried conveniently 

 in the waistcoat pocket; the back is 

 one fiftli of an inch broad, so that it 

 can be struck with the right hand, and 

 requires no blood-slick. 



