110 HORSE, SWINE AND POULTRY DISEASES 



Cervical Choke. In this, as well as in thoracic choke, we must 

 first of all endeavor to soften or lubricate the obstruction by pouring 

 oil down the gullet. After this has been done endeavor to move the 

 object by gentle manipulations with the hands. If choked with oats 

 or chaff (and these are the objects that most frequently produce 

 choke in the horse) , begin by gently squeezing the lower portion of 

 the impacted mass and endeavor to work it loose a little at a time. 

 This is greatly favored at times if we apply hot fomentations imme- 

 diately about the obstruction. Persist in these efforts for at least 

 an hour before deciding to resort to other and more dangerous 

 modes of treatment. If unsuccessful, however, the probang may 

 be used. In the absence of the regular instrument, use a piece of 

 inch hose 6 feet long, or a piece of new three-quarter-inch manila 

 rope well wrapped at the end with cotton twine and thoroughly 

 greased with tallow. The mouth is to be kept open by a gag of 

 wood or iron and the head slightly raised and extended. The pro- 

 bang is then to be carefully guided by the hand into the upper part 

 of the gullet and gently forced downward until the obstruction is 

 reached. Pressure must then be gradual and firm. Do not at first 

 attempt too much force, or the esophagus will be ruptured. Simply 

 keep up this firm, gentle pressure until you feel the object moving, 

 after which you are to follow it rapidly to the stomach. If this 

 mode of treatment is unsuccessful, a veterinarian or physician is 

 to be called in, who can remove the object by cutting down upon it. 

 This should scarcely be attempted by a novice, as a knowledge of 

 the anatomy of the parts is essential to avoid cutting the large 

 artery, vein, and nerve that are closely related to the esophagus 

 in its cervical portion. 



Thoracic Choke. Thoracic choke can be treated only by 

 means of the introduction of oils, and the careful use of the probang. 



Stricture of the Esophagus. This is due to corrosive medicines, 

 previous choking (accompanied by lacerations, which, in healing, 

 narrow the passage), or pressure on the gullet by tumors. In the 

 majority of cases of stricture, dilatation of the gullet in front of the 

 constricted portion soon occurs. This dilatation is due to the frequent 

 accumulation of solid food above the constriction. Little can be 

 done in either of these instances except to feed on sloppy or liquid 

 food. 



Sacular Dilatation of the Esophagus. This follows choking, 

 and is due to stretching or rupture of the muscular coat of the 

 gullet, allowing the internal, or mucous, coat to protrude through 

 the lacerated muscular walls. Such a dilatation, or pouch, may 

 gradually enlarge from the frequent imprisonment of food. When 

 liquids are taken, the solid materials are partially washed out of the 

 pouch. 



The symptoms are as follows: The horse is able to swallow 

 a few mouthfuls of food without apparent difficulty; then he will 

 stop feeding, paw, contract the muscles of his neck and eject a por- 

 tion of the food through his hose or mouth, or it will gradually 

 work down to the stomach. As the dilatation thus empties itself 



