442 STABLE MANUAL AND HORSE DOCTOR 



(arteriotomy). Some bleedings (as at the toe-point, divi- 

 sion of the vessels of the eye, etc.,) combine both these 

 operations. Blood-letting is further divided into " general, 

 and " local " or " topical " ; the first being intended to act on 

 the constitution, the second, very near to the affected part, 

 is intended to act more rapidly and directly than general 

 bleeding, and to produce more effect with less abstraction of 

 blood. Local bleeding is usually practised on the lesser 

 branches of arteries or veins, as the temporal artery, the 

 " plate " vein, the thigh vein. 



Bleeding from the J%igular Vein. — The near-side in 

 ordinary cases will be found most convenient for the fleam ; 

 the off-side for the lancet. Elevate the head so as to stretch 

 the vein, which should then be pressed with the fingers of 

 the left hand to stop the blood. It is advisable to blindfold 

 the horse, or to turn away his head from that side from 

 which blood is to be taken. The hair is smoothed along 

 the course of the vein with the finger, which has been 

 previously moistened ; then with the third and little fingers 

 of the left hand, in which the fleam must be held, sufficient 

 pressure is applied to the vein to bring it completely into 

 view, taking care, however, not to distend it too much, as 

 the too-rounded surface is apt to roll or slip when the 

 incision is about to be made. Never forget that immaculate 

 cleanliness in lancet or fleam is a duty to neglect which is 

 an atrocious crime. The particular part from which the 

 blood is taken lies three to four inches below the union of 

 the two branches of the jugular vein at the angle of the 

 jaw. Farriers sometimes tie a cord round the neck to 

 " raise the vein " ; it is unnecessary and dangerous. 



The fleam or lancet must be placed in a direct line with 

 the course of the vein, and over the precise centre of the 

 vein, with its point as close as possible to the skin, without 

 touching the vein. A large-bladed fleam should always be 

 preferred, which will make a greater opening, and thus 

 facilitate the operation ; besides, what is of greater import- 

 ance, blood drawn speedily has far more effect on the 

 system than double the quantity taken slowly ; and the 

 wound, although larger, will heal as fast as a smaller one. 

 A slight pressure on the neck with the pail, or other vessel 

 used while blood is taken, will be enough to cause the blood 

 to flow sufiiciently fast. Some persons introduce the finger 

 into the mouth between the tushes and the grinders, when, 



