516 OPEBATIONS ON THE CIKCULATOEY SYSTEM. 



rior border, where it loses itself. It is most superficial toward 

 the base of the cartilage as it issues from under the posterior cer- 

 vico-auricular muscle. 



The operation is comparatively simple. The animal being firmly 

 held or tied to a post or a tree, hard friction is applied to the 

 ear to stimulate the circulation and render the artery more promi- 

 nent. The concha is held by the left hand, with the index finger 

 ia front and the thumb behind the artery, the incision is made 

 by piercing the vessel with the lancet held perpendicularly to the 

 concha, the artery being cut directly across, and the incision en- 

 larged by a downward movement of the instrument. This is fol- 

 lowed by the appearance of a few drops of arterial blood, but 

 which soon stops unless the flow is assisted, which is done by the 

 operator, without releasing the ear, by striking light blows or taps 

 with a small stick along the course of the artery between the in- 

 cision and the animal's head. This last step is indispensable to 

 obtain a good, free flow, per solium, of course. This whipping 

 process is continued until the stream becomes abundant, but may 

 be suspended when it reaches that point, to be renewed again, 

 however, if the hemorrhage diminishes. Artificial means to close 

 the incision are not usually required, the flow generally ceasing 

 spontaneously, but when that faUs to occur a pin suture or a 

 bandage at the base of the concha, or finally the ligation of the 

 artery, if necessary, wiU. effect the object. The animal must be 

 kept confined for some time, to prevent him from rubbing the 

 wound or shaking his head too violently. 



In S'wine, this artery is so easily reached that it is often se- 

 lected in preference to other blood vessels which may be more or 

 less imbedded in the fat of the animal. The knowledge of its 

 position is very important, as it is very small and difficult to find. 

 Eunning vertically between the temporo-maxillary joint, it reaches 

 the base of the concha, and passes by the side of its convex sur- 

 face towards its point. It must be opened at the lower third of 

 the cartilage, where it presents its largest dimensions. The artery 

 must be cut transversely with the lancet. The bleeding ceases 

 spontaneously, or, if necessary, may be treated in the manner in- 

 dicated for cattle. (Fig. 449.) 



(c) Bleeding at the Median Caudal. — In cattle this artery is 

 quite large and very superficial. It runs along the inferior, face of 

 the tail, being covered at the base of that organ by the inferior 



