SURGICAL OPERATIONS. 255 



of dividing the stricture which impeded respiration; but, unless 

 the exact situation of this were discovered, it would be but an ex- 

 perimental attempt. 



(ESOPHAGOTOMY (OPENING THE GULLET). 



It was long thought that a wound in the oesophagus nr.ist be 

 necessarily fatal, but we have now sufficient proofs to the contrary 

 on record, so that we are not deterred from cut', ng into the oesopha- 

 geal tube when it is necessary ; but it is an operation requiring 

 skill and anatomical knowledge, and its future results are some- 

 times very serious. The cases that call for cesophagotomy are the 

 lodgment of accidental substances within the tube. An apple 

 once so lodged was removed by incision by a veterinary surgeon 

 at Windsor. Carrots, parsnips, beets, etc., are liable to produce 

 sueh obstruction when not sliced. Too large a medicinal mass, 

 also, has lodged there ; and a voracious eater has, by attempting 

 to swallow too large a quantity of not salivated bran or chaff, pro- 

 duced an obstruction, which pressed on the trachea and threatened 

 suffocation. In all cases of obstruction of this kind, we will sup 

 pose that a probang, well oiled, has been previously attempted to 

 be passed, and has completely failed. The probang for the horse, 

 however, differs materially from that used for the cow. It is 

 formed after the fashion of the one adopted by the human prac- 

 titioner, consisting of a pliable piece of whalebone, having a sjjonge 

 tied to one end. The operation being determined on, may be 

 practiced standing. If the swelling be large, no fear need be en- 

 tertained about cutting important organs, as the enlargement will 

 push them on one side. Cut down, therefore, directly upon the 

 center of the impacted substance. If the horse be cast, which is 

 quite unnecessary, have him, of course, thrown with his left side 

 uppermost. It will also be necessary to command a good light. 

 The part of the neck chosen for the opening must, of course, be 

 governed by the obstructing mass. A section should be made 

 through the integuments and cellular tissue beneath them, right 

 into the oesophagus, if possible, with one cut, and into the center 

 of the pipe. If this be not done at once, and it requires some 

 dexterity so as to effect it, mind to make all future incisions in a 

 line with the first opening, as it is important that the cellular tis- 

 sue should be little interfered with. The oesophagus, fairly cut 

 into the impactment, should jump forth. Should it not do so, do 



