BLEEDING 287 



Uses. — ^Bleeding is still indicated to-day in the following 

 conditions: 



1. Laminitis of horses. Experience has taught that a free 

 bleeding as early as possible in this condition, in connection with 

 arecoline, is the best treatment for laminitis (founder). 



2. In the first stages of inflammation of the brain, so long as 

 symptoms of cerebral congestion are present (pronounced injec- 

 tion of the visible mucous membranes of the head, increased 

 temperature of the cranium, strong pulsation of the arteries of 

 the head, symptoms of psychic excitement). 



3. In congestioa of the lungs with threatened oedema of the 

 Iimgs. 



4. In poisoning of the blood (carbon monoxide, illuminating 

 gas, haemoglobin, uraemia). 



Bleeding is also recommended in rheumatic haemoglobinsmia 

 [azoturia] of horses, as a prophylactic against parturient apoplexy 

 and in different internal circulatory disturbances (heart diseases). 

 In some sections it is used empirically in the beginning of fattening. 

 On the other hand, its employment has been proven to be not 

 without objection in inflammation of the brain and lungs, in 

 pulmonary hemorrhage and in chlorosis (it is alleged to promote 

 the formation of blood in chlorosis of man). Bleeding exerts no 

 prophylactic effect against infectious diseases, as has been estab- 

 lished experimentally by Zschokke. 



Transfusion. — ^This method is unnecessary in veterinary medi- 

 cine and its use in human medicine is strongly contested. It con- 

 sists in introducing into the veins of a diseased individual defibri- 

 nated blood from an individual of the same species. Transfusion 

 is recommended in excessive loss of blood and in poisoning of 

 the blood (carbon monoxide). It has, however, been recently sup- 

 planted by infusion and injections of sodium chloride in solution. 



Infusion. — ^By this is understood the introduction of solutions 

 of medicines directly into the circulation through a vein. In 

 human medicine, infusion of sodium chloride solution especially 

 is recommended in place of transfusion in poisonings, cholera, etc. 



