BLOOD-LETTING. 387 



BLOOD-LETTING. 



In describing this operation, too much stress is always 

 laid on the importance of opening particular veins, or divis- 

 ions of a vein, in certain diseases. Such directions are al- 

 together unnecessary", as it matters not from what part of 

 the animal the blood be drawn, provided it be taken quickly. 

 Nothing tends so much to the recovery of an animal from a 

 disease in which bleeding is required, as the rapid flow of 

 the blood from a large orifice. Little impression can be 

 made on an acute disease by the slow removal of even a 

 large quantity of blood, as the organs have time to accom- 

 modate themselves to the loss, which might, for any good it 

 will do, as well be dispensed with. Either bleed rapidly, or 

 bleed not at all. The nearer the commencement of an ail- 

 ment, in which you employ bleeding, the operation is resorted 

 to, the greater the chance of doing good ; no time ought, 

 therefore, to be lost in using the lancet, when once it is 

 known to be required. Bleeding and nicking the under sur- 

 face of the tail, does very well where no great deal of blood 

 is required, but it is not to be thought of if the veins of the 

 face or neck can possibly be opened. These are to be 

 taken in preference to a vein on the leg, as they are much 

 more readily got at. The facial vein commences by small 

 branches on the side of the face, and runs downwards and 

 backwards to the base of the jaw, where it may be felt 

 within two inches of the angle, or opposite the middle 

 grinding tooth. It is here that the orifice must be made ; 

 the thumb of the left hand being held against the vein, so 

 as to prevent the flow of blood towards the heart, will make 

 it rise. Some prefer opening the jugular vein, which com- 

 mences behind the eye and runs down the side of the neck. 

 This vessel is, however, more difficult to open than the 

 former, being more covered with wool, and not so easily ex- 

 posed or made to swell. To effect this, a cord is drawn 

 tightly round the neck, close to the shoulder, so as to stop 

 the circulation through the vein, and render it perceptible 

 to the finger. A lancet is the instrument generally used in 

 bleeding, though a sharp-pointed penknife will do at a pinch. 

 The opening must always be made obliquely ; but before 

 attempting this the animal must be secured, by placing it 

 between the operator's legs, with its croup against a wall. 

 The selected vein is then fixed by the fingers of the opera- 



