224 Obstruction of the Esophagus. 



in other cases likewise inflammatory swelling in tlie first por- 

 tion of the esophagus might have been the cause of the disturbed 

 deglutition. In a case of Brissot, a fall upon the left side, and 

 in a case of Graf, a kick on the neck were the causes of paralysis 

 of the esophagus. (In these two cases a traumatic lesion of the 

 esophageal wall itself cannot be entirely excluded, also in the 

 case of a horse of the Prussian army.) In this case a gelatinous 

 bloody infiltration was found behind a portion of the gullet 

 filled with particles of food. Puschmann and Schneider were 

 unable to discover a cause in their cases. 



Oceasionally liistologic changes may be discovered in the pneumogastric or 

 recurrent nerves. 



Symptoms. In primary paralysis of the esophagus the 

 food is always masticated without trouble ; but masses of fodder 

 accumulate in the gullet. In this manner the esophagus forms 

 a thick, firm or more soft, non-painful, cylindrical prominent 

 mass in the left jugular depression. Deglutition becomes im- 

 possible and regurgitation occurs. These disturbances appear 

 suddenly. 



Disturbances in deglutition coming on after arytenectomy 

 may disappear after a few weeks. In the above mentioned case 

 of Brissot recovery occurred in two days, but the affection may 

 lead to death in consequence of impeded nutrition or of foreign 

 body aspiration pneumonia. 



Diagnosis. A diagnosis of paralysis of the esophagus can 

 be made after the exclusion of paralysis of the pharynx, ob- 

 struction of the esophagus, stenosis or dilation of the esophagus, 

 contusion of the esophagais. 



Treatment. Attempts must be made to push the accumu- 

 lated, wedgedrin masses of food down with the esophageal 

 sound. The animals should then receive juicy or liquid feed 

 only. The employment of nerve tonics (strychnine, veratrine) 

 or of electricity, is not promising. 



Literature. Graf, Z. f. W., 1802, 211.— Moller, Chirurgie, 1891, 190.— 

 Schneider, W. f. Tk., 1905, 39. 



4. Obstruction of the Esophagus. Obstructio oesophagi. 



{Foyelgn Bodies in the Esophagus; Occlusio Oesophagi.) 



By ol)struction of the esophagus is meant a sudden closure 

 of its lumen by morsels of food or foreign bodies. 



Etiology. Obstruction of the esophagus is seen most com- 

 monly in cattle and is caused by large, solid constituents of the 

 food (potatoes, beets, apples) or exceptionally by entirely for- 



