166 



BLEEDING. 



BLEEDING. 



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 will he adopted by the veterinary practitioner. 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 cases of inflammation have resulted from this. 

 If the fist is doubled, and the fleam is sharp and is struck with 

 sufScient force with the lower part of the hand, the bloodstick 

 may be dispensed with. 



For general bleeding the jugular vein is selected. The horse 

 is blindfolded on the side on which he is to be bled, or his head 

 turned well away. The hair is smoothed along the course of the 

 vein with the moistened finger ; then, with the third and little 

 fingers of the left hand, which holds the fleam, pressure is made 

 on the vein sufficient to bring it fairly into view, but not to swell 

 it too much, for then, presenting a irounded surface, it would be 

 apt to roll or slip under the blow. The point to be selected is 

 about two inches below the union of the two portions of the jug- 

 ular at the angle of the jaw (see Fig. 12). The fleam is to be 

 placed in a direct line with the course of the vein, and over the 

 precise centre of the vein, as close to it as possible, but its point 

 not absolutely touching the vein. A sharp rap with the blood- 

 stick or the hand on that part of the back of the fleam immedi- 

 ately over the blade, will cut through the vein, and the blood 

 will flow. A fleam with a large blade should always be pre- 

 ferred, for the operation will be materially shortened, and tiiis 

 will be a matter of some consequence with a fidgety or restive 

 horse. A quantity of blood drawn speedily will also have far 

 more effect on the system than double the weight slowly taken, 

 while the wound will heal just as readily as if made by a smaller 

 instrument. There is no occasion to press so hard against the 

 neck with the pail, or can, as some do ; a slight pressure, if the 

 incision has been large enough and straight, and in the middle of 

 the vein, will cause the blood to flow sufficiently fast ; or, the 

 finger being introduced into the mouth between the tushes and 

 the grinders, and gently moved about, will keep the mouth in 

 motion, and hasten the rapidity of the stream by the action and 

 pressure of the neighboring muscles. 



When sufficient blood has been taken, the edges of the wound 

 should be brought closely and exactly together, and kept together 

 by a small sharp pin being passed through them. Round this alittk 



