CHOKING. 537 



make the wound too large. If the incision he not made holdly, the 

 animal will become restive, and render the operation very difficult. 



The offending body being removed, the divided parietes of 

 the oesophagus are to be brought together by two or three 

 sutures, using fine catgut for the purpose (the carbolised catgut 

 now made use of by surgeons), and which, I may mention, was 

 recommended by Professor Dick at least forty years ago. The 

 wound in the skin must be closed with strong metallic suture 

 wire, previously dipped in diluted carbolic acid. In fact, every- 

 thing must be done to insure union by the adhesive process. 

 Pads, bandages, and all other remedies recommended by 

 veterinary writers, do much harm, by iiritating the wound, and 

 setting up the suppurative process. 



When the wounds have been carefully closed by the sutures, 

 and when the surrounding parts have become dry, the approxi- 

 mation of the external lips may be further strengthened 

 by collodion or styptic colloid, after the application of which 

 the parts must not be touched for several days — until, in 

 fact, it is seen that adhesion has taken place. During this 

 time the animal is to be allowed a gallon, or as much milk 

 as he will drink at a time, three times a day ; his head to be 

 tied to the rack; and should the milk escape tln-ough the 

 v/ound — and this need not occur if the application of the 

 sutures has been properly performed — the oesophagus is to be 

 supported by the attendant applying a clean cloth to the wound 

 with a gentle pressure, so as to prevent the separation of its lips ; 

 it is, however, better not to do this unless it is imperatively 

 called for. 



Mr. Gamgee recommends that cesophagotomy should be per- 

 formed early in cases of choking from impaction throughout 

 the whole length of the gullet, or, when the obstruction is 

 situated in the horse, in its thoracic portion. I am of opinion 

 that he is too hasty in his conclusions, and that everytliing 

 should be done to remove the offending body in the other ways 

 described. We are, however, indebted to Mr. Gamgee for his 

 suggestion, that when choking is caused by an egg in the 

 cervical portion of the oesophagus, the egg should first be pierced 

 with an exploring needle, and afterwards crushed by a blow. 



In concluding tliis subject, I may remind the reader that the 

 persistence of " choking " depends, first, on closing of the 



