OBSTRUCTION OF THE GULLET 43 



REMEDIES. In the early stage of the disease the 

 application of a fly-blister over the larynx is to be 

 recommended, and the administration of a sedative 

 electuary, composed of belladonna, gum-camphor and 

 treacle. When the disease has been of such a character 

 as to threaten suffocation, the operation termed 

 tracheotomy must be performed ; but this is an 

 operation that can only be successfully performed 

 by a veterinary surgeon. 



OBSTRUCTION OF THE GULLET. 



SYMPTOMS. In this malady the gullet has become 

 contracted, which compels the horse to swallow its 

 food in small quantities, and that with much difficulty, 

 giving the animal the appearance of choking when in 

 the act of swallowing. Sometimes the stricture is 

 near the upper portion of the gullet : in which case an 

 experienced veterinary surgeon may devise some 

 remedy ; but if seated near the entrance into the 

 stomach, no hopes can be entertained of a cure. 



Horses eating too greedily sometimes swallow 

 their food in too large masses, and before it is 

 properly masticated, which has in many instances 

 lodged in the gullet, producing alarming symptoms of 

 suffocation. 



REMEDIES. The first thing to be tried is to force 

 the ball of food which obstructs the passage down- 

 wards, by the aid of the elastic tube (probang) used 

 for hove in cattle. Sometimes it cannot be dislodged 

 even by means of this instrument. In that case the 

 only other remedy is to cut open the gullet to prevent 

 suffocation. But this operation need not be described, 

 as it can only be successfully performed by a veter- 

 inary surgeon. 



