The Common Farm Operations. 199 



symptoms of this enlargement (so much that people say 

 the animal was not castrated) of the cord are, discharge 

 of pus for months after the operation, straddling gait, 

 some stiffness of the hind quarters and even loss of flesh ; 

 for this condition give Iodide of Potash, one to three 

 drams daily, according to the age of the animal; if that 

 does not cure after two to three weeks of the drug, the 

 surgeon's aid will need to be invoked. 



Bleeding of Animals has gone out of fashion the result 

 of the swing of the pendulum from the other extreme; 

 it has, however, its advantages, and at such times is very 

 beneficial, especially in such cases as founder (laminitis), 

 congestion of the lungs and brain troubles; it should 

 never be performed during such sickness as colt dis- 

 temper (strangles), influenza (pink eye) or other weak- 

 ening diseases. When done the blood should be taken 

 from the jugular; bleeding from the feet should not be 

 allowed as germ infection, resulting in lockjaw, etc., is 

 liable to occur. The near side is the most convenient on 

 which to operate, the animal should have been blind- 

 folded previously, and the head raised enough to smooth 

 out the skin of the neck ; the incision with the fleam is 

 usually made down the neck about ten to twelve inches 

 from the angle of the jaw, the fleam being sharp and 

 clean so as to make a good-sized cut, rapid bleeding being 

 the most beneficial. Eaise the vein, by applying pres- 

 sure over it below the point of operation, either with 

 the thumb or a fine cord drawn tight around the neck. 

 Dampen the hair over the spot to be incised; place the 

 fleam blade parallel to the vein, running in the same 

 direction that is; tap the back of the fleam firmly and 



