82 Diseases of Catti^e. 



ing is one of the symptoms of choking and usually the left 

 side will be distended. 



TREATMENT :— When tlie object is lodged in the 

 upper or middle third of the gullet, hold the animals mouth 

 open in the most convenient manner at hand; take a good 

 strong cord making a slip noose on the end, insert the 

 hand into the mouth and throat and endeavor to get the 

 loop over the obstruction. Failing to do^ this, tighten the 

 skin over the obstruction; try to move the obstruction up- 

 ward if possible, but downward if it will go without using 

 to much force. If you are unable to move it either up or 

 down, pour small quantities of warm oil or melted lard 

 down the throat, at the same time working the object up- 

 ward if the lodgment is high; and downward if it is low in 

 the throat. Should this also prove ineffectual, the pro- 

 bang sho-uld be used, or some flexible smooth stick may 

 be tried; but great care must be exercised to have the 

 stick go down the right passage. If the animal sets up a 

 coughing wlien the stick is introduced into the throat, it 

 is an indication that it has entered the air passage, 

 therefore at once withdraw it, but try again until 

 it is properly entered down to the obstruction. Ex- 

 ercise patience and perseverance and the difificul- 

 ty is usually easily overcome. However there 

 are cases that are so obstinate, that it is necessary to open 

 the gullet over the place of the obstruction; a safe opera- 

 tion requiring only a simple cut through the skin and 

 outer surface of the gullet, which readily heals without 

 much trouble. Bring the lips of the wound together 

 with a strong but small twine or saddlers silk; use a small 

 darning needle ; if a packing needle is not at hand. Feed 

 the animal for a w^eek or more, on soft or prepared food 



