BLEEDING HORSES.

Otago Witness, Issue 987, 29 October 1870, Page 10

BLEEDING HORSES.

When bleeding has to be done in the case of horses, the jugular or greac vein of the neck is the best to bleed irom. A lancet is the best iiiatrument, and the bes>. place is about an inch below the bifurcation of the vein, or four from the an^le of the jaw. In all cases of inflammation, bleed from a large orifice, for m these cases one quart drawn quickly will do more good than three quarts when it flows slowly. In pinning up the orifice, separate the skin as little as possible from the vein, lest the blood extravasate, and cause swelling and inflammation; and i.f the neck is to be washed, be careful not to wet the puuctured part. Tie up the horse for an hour afterwards. I place very little i dependence on the appearance of blood after bleeding as a criterion of inflammation, or the state of the Bystem and the propriety of repeating the operation, since I find that the texture and quantity of serum, or huffy appearance, in a great measure depend on the manner in~whioh it is drawn—

whether quickly or slowly, whether into a deep or shallow vessel — and on the length of time it is allowed to stand. Bleeding is necessary in almost every case of local or internal disease, except when there is a discharge of matter, or great debility. It is useful also in taking horseß up from the grass, or when they appear dull and heavy, and indifferent about feeding. In these cases, four quarts may be taken from an ordinary sized horse ; but in all case 3of fever and inflammation bleed till the pulse rises, and let its softness, not the quantity drawn, decide as to when enough has been taken. The animal's strength and urgency of the symptoms, not the appearance of the blood, should decide the necessity of repeating it, A horse may be bled in the toe with advantage for inflammation of the feet, and strains of the leg and coffin joint ; but all other topical bleeding, as in the mouth, eye, plate or thigh veins, is not only useless but dangerous. — Cab.net, in the Queenalander.