INJURIES IN THE REGION OF THE MOUTH. 261 



STRICTURE OF THE OESOPHAGUS. 



This occurs as a result of choking. The walls of the oeso- 

 phagus become thickened to a certain extent. It may exist with 

 dilatation of the oesophagus. 



Symptoms. — Frequent fits of coughing. On attempting to use 

 the probang the structure can be detected by its resistance to 

 further passage. 



Treatment, as a nile, is useless, but it may be overcome in some 

 cases by passing a probang each day. 



RUPTURE OF THE OESOPHAGUS. 



• 



This may be caused by using too great force when passing the 

 probang, tlie use of sticks by inexperienced men, etc. 



Symptoms. — The animal is dull and listless, respiration is af- 

 fected, and swelling can be detected over the course of the oeso- 

 phagus. The animal evinces pain on pressing the parts. Soon 

 the whole neck becomes swollen and the breath fetid. A history 

 of the case will assist in diagnosis. If a stick has been used to 

 unchoke a horse and the above symptoms follow, it is certain that 

 rupture has taken place. 



Treatme.xt. — As a rule, treatment is of no avail ; but, if it is 

 a small rupture, it may be cut down upon and sutures tried. 



CRIB BITERS AND WIND SUCKERS. 



Horses which are crib biters or wind suckers are to be consid- 

 ered as unsound, as the vice generally causes indigestion. A crib 

 biter seizes the manger, or any other object, with his teeth, 

 arches his neck, and makes a belching noise. Many crib biters 

 thrive moderately -well, while others are unthrifty and hide- 

 bound. 



The wind sucker smacks his lips, gathers air into his mouth, 

 arches his neck, gathers his feet together, and fills himself with 

 air. Of the two vices this is the worst. A wind sucker is more 



