380 THE PRACTICE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 



carbolized catgut. The external opening may be secured 

 in a similar manner. The after treatment consists of keep- 

 ing the animal quiet for a few days, and feeding on liquid 

 food, gruels, etc., and allowing no solid food until the 

 wound has entirely closed. Some of the results of choking 

 are dilatation^ or the formation of a pouch in the oesophagus, 

 rupture of the oesophagus, etc. 



DILATATION OF THE (ESOPHAGUS. 



As a result of choking, the oesophagus may become ab- 

 normally dilated, or a pouch may be formed, in which food 

 accumulates to a greater or less extent, the pouch gradually 

 growing larger until it attains an enormous size and gives 

 rise to considerable trouble, 



Sijiniytoms. — If in the thoracic region the animal will be a 

 slow feeder, and subject to repeated attacks of choking, 

 which may be mistaken for spasm of the oesophagus ; a 

 change of food will generally bring on one of these attacks. 

 If the pouch is situated in the cervical portion of the 

 oesophagus a bulging can be seen and felt. Passage of the 

 probang may assist in forming a correct diagnosis. 



Treatment. — Very little can be done; sloppy food only 

 should be allowed the animal ; and when a fit of choking 

 comes on, oil, etc., should be given. If the pouch is 

 situated in the cervical portion of the oesophagus, consider- 

 able advantage results from the use of a pad j^laced over 

 the part. 



STRICTURE OF THE (ESOPHAGUS. 



Stricture of the oesophagus also occurs as a result of 

 choking. The walls of the oesophagus become thickened 

 to a certain extent, or a contraction of the muscular fibres 

 of the coats of the oesophagus takes place. It may coexist 

 with dilatation, etc., of the cesophagus. 



