DISORDERS OF THE THROAT. 155 



the tube and passing probangs. The first, an inch and a 

 half in diameter, was followed by larger ones, which were 

 passed two or three times a day for ten days. Afterward 

 the owner of the animal passed the probang occasionally 

 himself. The stricture was seated at the point where the 

 tube enters the chest. A sac or pouch three or four inches 

 in diameter had formed near the stricture, and had acted 

 as a receptacle for food. 



Rupture of the Esophagus. — Dr. Cartwright reports 

 a case of rupture eight inches long that " had evidently 

 been made with some sharp or rough instrument." The 

 mare died in eight days. A sheep's probang stopped at 

 one-third of the neck. 



Opening the Esophagus. — The esophagus lies near 

 but is deeper than, and, toward its center, somewhat to 

 the left of the windpipe. The incision must be made 

 carefully on account of the proximity of the jugular veins, 

 carotid arteries, &c. If the nature of the case will per- 

 mit, open the left side of the neck, three inches longi- 

 tudinally below its upper third, or near or at its center. 

 An assistant should press on the jugular. Near the wind- 

 pipe will be found " a firm, cordiform, shining, red sub- 

 stance." This is the esophagus. Draw it outward with 

 a blunt hook, and make a longitudinal incision. Use a 

 tube if the case requires it. When through, stitch the 

 esophagus with silk and close the external wound with 

 pins. Apply a compress. Give liquid or soft food till 

 the wound heals. 



Choking is usually the result of improper mastication 

 and greediness. Whole grains of corn, a small potato, 

 large pieces of turnip, egg shells, a hard ball of food — 

 even of grass — will sometimes lodge in the throat. Some- 

 times a draft of water or the hand will clear the passage, 



