REPORT ON THE DISEASES OF FARM HOKSES. 287 



manipulation externally with the hands, assisted by small quan- 

 tities of linseed oil, frequently succeeds in removing it. In cases 

 of known debility, stimulants, as brandy, &c, will form a most 

 useful addition. The Veterinary Surgeon, however, will exceed 

 this, by the use of others of greater value, as sulphuric ether, 

 nitric ether, spirits of ammonia, in doses of one ounce. Pieces 

 of turnip, mangold, &c, often prove intractable and dangerous. 

 Spasm of the gullet increases the tenacity with which they are 

 held in situ, and if laceration of the coats of the gullet have not 

 already taken place, it is to be dreaded in an attempt to remove 

 it by the probang. That instrument, therefore, should be used 

 with great caution, and to render its use more safe, a dose of oil 

 and stimulant, as already advised, should be administered in the 

 first instance. 



When the obstruction is placed at the back part of the mouth, 

 the jaws being kept apart by the balling iron, the offending 

 object may be withdrawn. Pharyngeal polypi sometimes give 

 rise to the previously described symptoms, when the aid of an 

 experienced Veterinary Surgeon must be sought for its removal. 



Horses are not so patient under suffering from obstructions 

 in the gullet as cattle, and not unfrequently are violent and un- 

 manageable. The acute angle at the back part of the mouth in 

 the horse also prevents the passing of the probang so effectually 

 as in ruminants, whereby the operator acts under disadvantages, 

 an additional reason for greater care and watchfulness in 

 attempting to give relief by its use. The following are the 

 ordinary precautions to be observed : — 



A wooden trace with a round hole in the centre to admit the 

 probang, should be placed in the mouth, and secured by side- 

 straps, similar to those of a head stall or bridle. 1 have found 

 a Balling Iron, about three inches wide, a much more service- 

 able instrument, as it prevents the animal getting the bulb of 

 the probang between the grinders, a result best avoided for 

 obvious reasons. A twitch is placed on the nose, and held by 

 assistant No. 1. Assistants Nos. 2 and 3, one on each side, 

 seize the ear with one hand, while the other is laid flat on the 

 front of the nose to keep it steady, or one holds the halter. 

 A fore foot may be held up by assistant No. 4, or strapped 

 up according to convenience. The animal being previously 

 reversed in the stall, the instrument is to be passed. The pro- 

 bang usually consists of stout wire, coiled so as to form a tube, 

 six or seven feet long, having two leaden extremities, one a 

 bulb, the other a cup, both of which are perforated ; the inter- 

 mediate space is covered with leather. Having made choice 

 of the end to be used, it is passed through the opening in the 

 gag, backwards to the gullet, along the centre of the mouth — 



