192 FAKRIERY. ITO. 



frequently lepoateJ, and it, can be; dispetsed with onl^ at 

 tlie risk of serious temporary illness; many who liare been 

 bled with unnecessary frequ(m(;y piesent the appeal auce 

 of an apoplectic condition. These resulte a]*e supposed to 

 arise from an unnaturally vigorous action of the blood — 

 forming power, acquired in the attempt of nature to make 

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

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

 tlie same cause. 



B^tood-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 horse.') into condition, etc., it is 

 absurd to resort to bleeding. The end desired may bo 

 more safejy attained by administering a proper diet. 



The operation of bleeding in thus described hj 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 v/ill be adojfted 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 

 caaes of infla^mmation have resulted from this. If the fist 

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

 cient force with the lowei part of the hand, the b](io<istici 

 may be dispensed with. 



For general bleeding th(5 jugular vein is selected The 



