362 VETERINARY SURGICAL THERAPEUTICS. 
more or less in the perivenous cellular tissue, then obliterates the per-~ 
foration of the vessels. If the trauma is protected from infection, cir- 
culation goes on; sometimes the cicatricial spot dilates and gives rise to 
the enlargement that is commonly observed on the jugular of horses. 
With complete sections, the mechanism of the temporary hemostasis is 
the same; effused blood coagulates outside the vessel, and then an in- 
travenous clot of various length is formed. 
The principal modes of treatment of venous wounds vary: suture, 
pressure and plugging, cauterization and ligature of the vessel, 
Punctures of veins are treated by pressure or suture. When the cutaneous 
wound is small, simple compression is ordinarily sufficient; it stops the 
hemorrhage and prevents the entrance of air in the central end. Twisted 
or pinned suture of phlebotomy is an excellent means. The use of styptic 
substances and plugging havé been recommended. Perchloride ot iron, 
much used in old times, has the objection that it promotes the formation of 
extensive clots and sometimes a severe phlebitis. Larger wounds must 
be plugged with iodoformed gauze after careful disinfection. When press- 
ure fails, forcipressure or ligating the vessel is indicated. If the wound 
is deep, to avoid much cutting, the vein can be closed with one or two 
hemostatic forceps, left in place for twenty-four to thirty-six hours. The 
hest treatment for complete section of the vein, is ligature. Upon both 
ends, a silk or catgut thread is applied firmly, tied and stopped by a 
straight knot. 
The introduction of air in veins is an accident that may occur when a 
vessel of some dimension, situated in the circle of the inspiration of the 
thorax and of the heart, is open during an operation. 
A peculiar noise, a gurgling, sucking or whistling is suddenly heard, 
like that made by air entering by a small opening into the thorax of a 
living animal. Sometimes a severe dyspnea appears, the mucous mem- 
brane becomes pale, eyes are staring, pupils dilated, and death, generally 
preceded by convulsive movements, takes place after a time varying 
between a few minutes to several hours. Of the two cases recorded by 
Barthelemy, one died after seven, the other in eight hours. Some cases 
recover. Viardot had one case where lameness appeared suddenly after 
the introduction of air into the vessel. 
Yet, the introduction of air is not always followed by noticeable dis- 
turbance, arid already Dupuy, Li¢geard, Rey, have insisted upon the great 
quantity of air that it is at times necessary to introduce into the veins to 
kill the horse. 
The introduction of air into the veins should be avoided by applying 
pressure beyond the point where the operation is performed and relieving 
it only when the wound is closed ar protected by the fingers. Frequently 
