Bleeding is often the most useful and efficacious means of curing
diseases in horses, &c. In inflammatory affections, it is generally
the first remedy resorted to, and its immediate salutary effects are
often surprising.
When it is necessary to lessen the whole quantity of blood in the
system, open the jugular or neck vein. If the inflammation is
local, bleed where it can be conveniently done, either from the
part affected, or in its vicinity, as by opening the plate vein,
superficial vein of the thigh, or temporal arteries.
In fevers of all kinds, and when inflammation attacks any important
organ, as the brain, eyes, lungs, stomach, intestines, liver,
kidneys, bladder, &c. bleeding is of the greatest use. It diminishes
the quantity of blood in the body; and by this means prevents the ill
effects of inflammation. The quantity of blood to be taken varies
according to the age, size, condition, and constitution of the horse,
and urgency of the symptoms.
From a large or strong horse, four or six quarts will be requisite,
and may be repeated in smaller quantities if symptoms demand it. The
blood, in these diseases, must flow from a large orifice made in the
vein. A horse should _never be suffered to bleed upon the ground,
but into a measure_, in order that the proper quantity may be taken.
Young horses, also, while shedding their teeth, have sometimes much
constitutional irritation, which bleeding relieves. But in these
affections it is very rarely necessary to bleed to the same extent
as in fevers, &c.; two or three quarts generally suffice to be
taken away.
_Fulness of Blood._
Moderate bleeding, from two to three or four quarts, is also used
to remove fulness of habit, or plethora, attended with slight
inflammatory symptoms. In this case the eyes appear heavy, dull, red
or inflamed, frequently closed as if asleep; the pulse small and
oppressed; the heat of the body somewhat increased; the legs swell;
and the hairs rub off. Horses that are removed from grass to a warm
stable, and full fed on hay and corn, and not sufficiently exercised,
are very subject to one or more of these symptoms. Regulating the
quantity of food given to him, proper exercise and occasional
laxatives, as the following powder, will be commonly found sufficient
after the first bleeding, and operation of an aloetic purge. In
slight affections of this kind, a brisk purge will often alone be
sufficient.
_Laxative and Diaphoretic Powder._
Take of crocus of antimony, finely levigated,
nitre, cream of tartar, and flour of sulphur, of
each, 4 ounces:
Powder and mix them well together for use.
One table-spoonful of this mixture may be given every night
and morning, in a mash of scalded bran, or a feed of corn
moistened with water, that the powders may adhere thereto.
This powder will be found excellent for such horses as are
kept on dry meat, whether they be in the stable, or travel on
the road; also for stallions in the spring of the year, as
they not only keep the body cool and open, but cause them to
cast their coat, and make the skin appear as bright as silk.