308 BLEEDING. 



duced nearly half an inch into the muscular masses in three sepa- 

 rate parts of the back opposite the psose muscles, with but trifling 

 amendment ; but the introduction of it into the inner and outer 

 surfaces of the thighs, rather more than half an inch, was more 

 beneficial. The practice, therefore, deserves a trial, where othei' 

 means have failed. 



BLEEDING. 



Dogs are much benefited by bleeding in many diseases, as in- 

 flammations of the lungs, stomach, bowels, &c. In some cases 

 of mange, in the early stage of asthma, and in the epilepsy of re- 

 pletion, bleeding is very useful also. Dogs may be conveniently 

 bled by the jugular or neck vein, with a fleam or with a common 

 lancet ; but the latter is much preferable. A ligature being put 

 round the lower part of the neck, and the head being held up, the 

 vein will swell and protrude itself on each side of the windpipe, 

 about one inch from it. It will, however, be necessary previously 

 to cut the hair away, if it be very thick ; after which, the puncture 

 can be easily made with a lancet, the operator leaning over the 

 dog. Nothing is necessary, in general cases, to stop the bleeding, 

 but to remove the ligature ; nor is any pin, plaister, or bandage, 

 requisite for the orifice. When circumstances such as the want 

 of a regular operator, or when the amateur is called on to deplete 

 his own dog suddenly, as in the field, when the means of venesec- 

 tion by the neck are not at hand ; in any such case the ear may 

 be punctured, or an incision may be made on the inner side of the 

 flap of it, choosing, if possible, the course of a vein for the punc- 

 ture, but avoid passing the instrument through the ear. Or the 

 tail may be cut in desperate cases ; but when this is done, it is 

 better to cut off a small piece than to merely make an incision 

 underneath ; for I have seen, when this has been injudiciously 

 done, the whole tail in a state of mortification. The veterinarian 

 will find it necessary occasionally to practise bleeding in the ce- 

 phalic or superficial brachial vein, the plate vein of farriers 



