FOREIGN BODIES IN THE 0SSOPHAGUS OF SWINE. 423 



oesophagus can easily be found, especially if a foreign body is fixed 

 in it. It is drawn forward, and its two coats divided as far as seems 

 necessary for removal of the foreign body. 



x4s Dette has correctly remarked, it is desirable to make the 

 incision in the skin under the jugular vein, and not over it, as is 

 often described, in order that wound discharges and any portions 

 of food may flow away as easily as possible. Further, the operation 

 wound should not be larger than is absolutely necessary ; whilst 

 the oesophagus should be separated as little as possible from its 

 surroundings. Under certain circumstances the potato or root may 

 be broken down within the oesophagus and the pieces passed onwards, 

 or removed through a smaller wound. The wound of the gullet 

 must be sutured, preferably with chromic catgut, first bringing the 

 mucous membrane together, and then the muscular coat. The over- 

 lying wound need not be sutured, as healing by primary intention 

 cannot be expected. The wound is treated on general principles. 

 For the first twenty-four hours food and drink must be completely 

 withheld, though, if deemed necessary, pure water may be given. 

 During the next few days soft food or hay may be supplied. 

 Tainturier gives nothing but hay and pure water to cattle, and in 

 one case obtained healing in thirty-five, and in another in twenty-five 

 days. Malzew performed oesophagotomy five times in oxen and six 

 in dogs ; healing occurred within eighteen to twenty-three days 

 in the oxen, and in twelve to eighteen in the dogs. Although the 

 animals fall away in condition, bad consequences are rarely observed. 



(c.) FOBEIGN BODIES IN THE (ESOPHAGUS OF SWINE. 



When housed, swine are usually fed on boiled roots, carefully 

 cut potatoes, or semi-fluid gruels, so that food rarely causes 

 obstruction. But when roaming in herds, and fed on uncut potatoes 

 or other roots, pieces may stick in the pharyngeal pouch or in the 

 oesophagus, and provoke symptoms similar to those in other animals. 

 According to Lothes, foreign bodies in the pharyngeal pouch of 

 swine produce difficulty in swallowing, salivation, and a peculiar 

 change in the voice ; instead of grunting, a shrill shrieking sound 

 is produced, and if the subjects are in poor condition, the obstruction 

 may be detected by palpation. Foreign bodies fixed in the 

 oesophagus sometimes induce vomiting, and are thus ejected ; but 

 where long retained, tympanites develops, and death ensues from 

 suffocation. 



Early assistance is necessary, but in pigs little can be done 



