552 THE COMPLETE GRAZIER. BOOK vi. 



is, of course, beyond observation. Choking is sometimes attended 

 with attempts at vomition. 



Treatment. The measures adopted will of course be directed 

 towards removing the impacted substance. If it is high up in the 

 throat this may be effected by means of the hand passed into the 

 mouth. When found in the course of the neck an attempt should be 

 made to move it upward or downward by careful handling. If it 

 consists of imperfectly masticated hay or straw its removal may some- 

 times be readily effected in this way, especially after a little water or 

 oil has been poured down the throat. Where these means fail, the 

 probang or " choke rope " must be introduced. In performing this 

 operation the head should be held straight out, and the instrument 

 having been passed as far as the obstruction, gentle and continuous 

 pressure should be kept up. Violent, jerky movements of the instru- 

 ment are much to be deprecated, as they frequently result in rupture 

 of the oesophagus. Where the animal is much "blown" it may be 

 desirable to puncture the stomach before passing the " rope," in order 

 to avoid suffocation. 



JAUNDICE OR YELLOWS. The term jaundice is applied to various 

 morbid conditions of the liver in which the blood becomes charged 

 with bile, and the skin and tissues of the body are frequently stained 

 of a yellow colour. The blood contamination is the result of some 

 obstruction to the escape of bile from the liver, in consequence of 

 which it is re-absorbed into the blood-stream. 



The causes of jaundice are many and varied. The chief among 

 them are congestion of the liver, tumours in and upon the gland, 

 and blocking of the bile ducts with gall-stones, parasites, and 

 other foreign matters. It is also observed in certain contagious 

 diseases, such as anthrax and Texan fever, as well as in septic states 

 of the blood, and in poisoning by lead, copper, mercury, &c. 



Symptoms. The leading feature of the disease is a yellow dis- 

 coloration of the skin and urine. The state of the .bowels varies 

 from time to time between obstinate constipation and extreme looseness. 

 The dung is at one time dark in appearance, and at another pale or 

 clay-coloured. It contains a quantity of sticky mucus, and emits an 

 offensive odour. The skin is harsh, dry, and scaly, and the patient 

 presents a dull unthrifty appearance. 



Treatment. Where the disease arises from tumours in and upon 

 the liver but little benefit can be hoped for from treatment. As, 

 however, we are seldom aware of the precise cause of the ailment, the 

 malady must be treated on general principles. The objects to be 

 attained are to eliminate the bile from the blood and open the channels 

 of the liver, so that the secretion may flow into the intestines to take 

 its part in the function of digestion. The bowels must be acted upon 

 by aperients. For this purpose sulphate of magnesia (Epsom salts), 

 with the extract of dandelion and a little aloes, will be found useful. 



Nitrate of potash, given in the food once daily, will stimulate the 

 kidneys to throw off the surplus bile from the blood ; and the tone of 



