Fleam

[2] These instruments are the progression from the early use of fish teeth, sharpened stones, and thorns used to penetrate blood vessels.

[4] These instruments with their triangular-shaped blades were designed to be placed over the vein (most commonly the jugular or saphenous) and struck with a fleam stick.

Once the desired blood was drained from the patient, the operator would place a pin through the edges of the incision.

[5] Statements from Mayhew in his 1864 treatise indicate that the perceived benefits of these procedures were coming into great question in the latter half of the 19th century for all conditions except laminitis.

Pictured to the right is a three-blade fleam with a horn handle made in Scotland by the Sanderson craftsmen.