FOREIGN BODIES IN THE (ESOPHAGUS OF CATTLE. 417 



common in the ox than in the horse. Obstructions, as a rule, all 

 occur close behind the pharynx, but are also tolerably frequent in 

 the lower neck or thoracic portion. Death from suffocation sometimes 

 results from cows attempting to swallow the after-birth, a portion 

 of the membranes sticking in the oesophagus and pharynx, occluding 

 the opening of the larynx, and so causing rapid suffocation. 



Symptoms comprise restlessness, salivation, inability to swallow, 

 attempts at eructation, difficult breathing, and tympanites. Part 

 of the gas formed in the stomach is normally discharged through 

 the oesophagus ; but immediately the oesophagus is obstructed, 

 this gas accumulates in the stomach and bowels, causing dangerous 

 inflation. Increasing distension interferes with breathing, and may 

 cause suffocation. These symptoms can be completely developed 

 in a few hours, and hence it is necessary at once to carry out 

 appropriate treatment. It is worthy of note, however, that Favereau, 

 who has treated many cases, states that in the majority the obstruction 

 will pass into the rumen and recovery will occur if the rumen be 

 punctured and an expectant attitude be assumed thereafter. The 

 cannula may even be left in position for several days. 

 Treatment may be by one of the following methods — • 

 (1) Return of the foreign body into the pharynx is usually suc- 

 cessful in root choking, where the obstruction remains fixed close 

 behind the pharynx. The operator places himself on the left side 

 of the animal passes his right arm over the neck, and with both hands 

 (preferably with the thumbs) endeavours to push the obstructing 

 body upwards by pressing in the oesophageal furrow. This usually 

 succeeds if the animal's head be left free. But, if firmly held, the 

 animal becomes disturbed, and stretches out its head, and even 

 if the foreign body is forced into the pharynx its further outward 

 passage is arrested. Where the first attempt fails, it can, however, 

 be repeated, and, with a little dexterity, usually succeeds. In cattle, 

 foreign bodies may be reached and removed from the pharynx or 

 oesophagus by introducing the hand through the mouth. The head 

 must be carefully fixed, and a mouth gag applied. The hand, 

 protected with a glove, unprovided with fingers, is introduced 

 rapidly and energetically, but it must not be kept too long in the 

 pharynx, as pressure on the rima glottidis may produce struggling and 

 dyspnoea. In the horse, the narrowness of the space between the 

 rows of molars and the greater length of the soft palate render this 

 procedure difficult, and it may not be successful unless the patient 

 is cast, when the hand can easily be introduced and the pharynx 

 explored. 



