CHOKING. 379 



latter may be withdrawn, and the animal given a small 

 quantity of oil and water to swallow, after which the pro- 

 bang may be again introduced. If the mass becomes 

 partially dislodged, the probang may be withdrawn, and 

 the oil and water given, when, as a rule, the food will pass 

 on to the stomach without anything further being done. 

 In the case of an apple becoming lodged, a probang with a 

 screw and a stilette should be used. The apple should be 

 pierced in several places with the screw until it becomes 

 broken down, when the probang may be withdrawn, and 

 a small quantity of oil and water administered. As a 

 rule nothing more will be required. In cases where the 

 probang is proved to be of no avail, recourse must be 

 had to the operation of oesophagotomy. It is not a very 

 successful operation, as a rule, but in cases where every 

 other means have been tried and failed to give relief, this 

 operation becomes justifiable, and must be performed as the 

 only means of saving the life of the animal ; and it is 

 essential that the operation be performed before the animal 

 becomes too much v/eakened and exhausted. The operation 

 is one very easily performed by anyone having a knowledge 

 of anatomy, the chief objection to its performance being 

 the difficulty almost invariably experienced of getting the 

 wound to heal. If possible, the oesophagus should be laid 

 open with the first stroke of the knife, as, in such a case, 

 the wound will be likelier to heal properly. The animal 

 also, while standing quietly under one stroke of the knife, 

 is certain to become restless if the operation be slowly per- 

 formed and with many cuts of the knife. The incision 

 should be made right over the region of the offending body, 

 which, when reached, should be gently removed, the parts 

 nicely cleansed with tepid water and a sponge, after which 

 the divided edges of the 03sophagus are to be brought to- 

 gether and firmly secured in place by means of sutures of 



