STRICTURE OF THE (ESOPHACiUS. 381 



Sijmjitoms. — The animal is subject to frequent fits of 

 choking, etc. On attempting to pass the probang, it 

 proceeds along the passage very well until it reaches the 

 seat of stricture, when its further passage is resisted ; but 

 by using gentle force, and taking plenty of time, the 

 stricture gives way, and the probang passes on. 



Treatment. — As a rule, treatment is useless, but occasion- 

 ally the condition may be overcome by passing a probang 

 every day — beginning with one of small size, and each suc- 

 ceeding day using one slightly larger. 



RUPTURE OF THE (ESOPHAGUS. 



Rupture of the oesophagus may be caused by using too 

 great force when passing a probang. The use of sticks, 

 etc., in place of a probang is also a very prolific cause of 

 rupture. 



Symptoms. — The symptoms of rupture of the oesophagus 

 are, as a rule, pretty well defined. The animal becomes 

 dull and listless, respiration is more or less affected, and a 

 swelling can be detected over the course of the oesophagus. 

 On passing the hand down over the swelling the animal 

 evinces a considerable amount of pain. After a short time 

 the whole neck becomes swollen, and the breath fetid. 

 The history of the case will materially assist in forming a 

 correct diagnosis. If told that the animal was choking, 

 and they passed a stick, etc., to relieve him, the practi- 

 tioner may feel certain that the case is one of rupture of 

 the oesophagus. 



Treatment. — As a rule, treatment is of no avail ; but in 

 the case of a small rupture the practitioner may cut down 

 upon it and see what can be done with sutures, etc. ; but in 

 most cases the patient should be put out of his misery as 

 quickly as possible. 



