272 DADJ/S VETERINARY MEDICINE ANL> SURGERY. 



stick is preferable for the purpose of striking the fleam. There is 

 a vibration between two hard bodies when they meet, which, in 

 this instance, is favorable to a quick and moderate puncture of the 

 vein. After the vein has been opened, mcderate pressure with the 

 edge of the can which catches the blood is suflicient to keep up 

 the flow. It may also be encouraged by putting a finger within 

 the horse's mouth. The requisite quantity of blood being drawn, 

 remove the can. The remaining process of securing the vessel 

 is of equal importance. The sides of the orifice are first to be 

 brought in opposition, without pinching them, and without draw- 

 ing them from the vein. The same cautions should also be ob« 

 served when the pin is introduced. Let it be small, with an 

 irregular point, and, when inserted, wrap around it a few hairs 

 or a little tow. 



Common, however, as this operation is, and qualified as every 

 one thinks himself to perform it, yet there are very serious acci- 

 dents which do arise occasionally. It has occuried that the carotid 

 artery has become penetrated. When the puncture has been made 

 through the vein, the accident is known immediately by the forci- 

 ble and pulsatory gush of florid arterial and dark venous blood 

 together. In one instance of this kind, which occurred to a French 

 practitioner, he immediately thrust his finger into the opening 

 through the vein, and thus plugged up the artery, intending to 

 wait for assistance. In this state he remained, *ve believe, an 

 hour or more, when, removing his finger, to his surprise, he found 

 the hemorrhage nad ceased, and did not again return. In another 

 case, where an English practitioner accidentally opened the carotid, 

 he placed a compress on the orifice, and had relays of men to hold 

 it there for forty-eight hours, when it was found the bleeding had 

 stopped. 



The a.lmission of air is also another serious accident that now 

 and then attends bleeding. It sometimes happens from the sudden 

 removal of the fingers or blood-can, or whatever was used to dis- 

 tend the vessel by obstructing the return of the blood. This, being 

 suddenly taken away, allows the escape of the blood toward the 

 heart, and occasions a momentary vacuum, the air being heard to 

 rush with a gurgling noise into the vein through the orifice; it 

 then mixes with the blood, and occasions, in some instances, almost 

 immediate death. The animal begins to tremble ; he next staggers, 

 and finally falls in a state of convulsion. If the quantity of air 



