192 



frequently repeated, and it can be dispensed with only at 

 the risk of serious temporary illness ; many who have been 

 bled with imnecessary frequency present the appearance 

 of an apoplectic condition. These results are supposed to 

 arise from an unnaturally vigorous action of the blood — 

 forming power, acquired in the attempt of nature to make 

 up for the loss of bleeding. The same result is observed 

 in the case of horses, and it is believed that they arise from 

 the same cause. 



Blood-letting is, in the hands of a "cautious physician," 

 a most valuable agent for reducing inflammation or con- 

 gestion, but in the hands of the ordinary horseman, or far- 

 rier, it is subject to great abuse and is the occasion of many 

 evils. Of course, in a case of blind staggers, or of great 

 inflammation from a wound or other cause, it is well that 

 the person having charge of the horse should be able to 

 apply this means of relief; but for ordinary depletion of 

 the system, for bringing horses into condition, etc., it is 

 absurd to resort to bleeding. The end desired may be 

 more safely attained by administering a proper diet. 



The operation of bleeding is thus described by Youatt : 



This operation is performed with a fleam or a lancet. 

 The first is the common instrument, and the safest, except 

 in skilful hands. The lancet, however, has a more surgical 

 appearance, and will be adopted by the veterinary practi- 

 tioner. A bloodstick — a piece of hard wood loaded at one 

 end with 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 this. If the fist 

 is doubled, and the fleam is sharp and is struck with suffi- 

 cient force with the lower part of the hand, the bloodstick 

 may be dispensed with. 



For gimeviil bleeding the jugular vein is selected. The 



