189 
A SUMMARY OF THE TRANSACTIONS AT THE 
ROYAL VETERINARY SCHOOL AT LYONS DUR- 
ING THE SCHOLASTIC YEAR 1840-41. 
[Continued from page 134.] 
Puncture of the Carotid. — The substitution of the 
lancet for the fleam in bleeding from the jugular vein of the 
horse has twice given us the opportunity of studying the con- 
sequences of puncture of the carotid, and convinced us of the 
inutility of the ligature to remedy that accident. 
On the 24th of May, 1841, a mule of the usual height, and 
fifteen years old, was brought to lose a little blood in the way of 
precaution. At the moment of the puncture with the lancet, on 
the left side of the neck, the animal gave a sudden start, and the 
artery alone was opened. A stream of blood immediately began 
to escape in interrupted jets, and in a very short time the vessel 
was filled. It was, however, presently stopped by means of three 
pins and the figure of 8 suture. Some minutes afterwards, and 
in despite of repeated lotions with cold water, a tumour began to 
appear, and rapidly increased, until it reached the lower part of 
the neck. A bandage was applied with a strong compress, and 
acidulated lotions, the animal being placed under a restricted 
diet. The swelling soon evidently seemed to diminish. On the 
second day a blister was applied over the point of the puncture, 
and on the sixth day the animal returned to his usual work. 
The second case was less serious, and only required the rest 
that would be given to him after an ordinary bleeding. The blood, 
of a vermilion colour, escaped in an interrupted stream. Com- 
pression on the part, and the application of a suture, were had 
recourse to, as in the former case. A tumour was observed like- 
wise, as large as a hen’s egg, but which disappeared on the employ- 
ment of refrigerants. 
On some horses, kept for. purposes of experiment, we have en- 
deavoured to produce the same results. In a grey carriage horse, 
eight years old, a puncture was made in the carotid one-third of 
the way down the neck. Before the application of the suture, 
eight pounds of blood were permitted to escape. Abandoned to 
himself, the horse on the following day exhibited none of the 
consecutive symptoms of arteriotomy. 
In another horse the puncture of the artery was made obliquely 
across the vessel. A small quantity of blood only escaped, but 
there was extravasation into the cellular tissue, and the instanta- 
neous formation of a large tumour, which yielded on compression. 
VOL. XV. C C 
