2o6 



water was given through the nostrils, owing to the restiveness of the animal. 

 When the obstruction consists of a piece of carrot or other solid body felt 

 from the outside, it may be cut down upon and extracted. The wound is 

 then sewn up by a few stitches of carbolized twine, and is afterwards 

 dressed with antiseptic applications. Food must be withheld for a time 

 after this operation, and at first should consist of Hnseed or oatmeal gruel. 

 Indeed, in any case after the relief of choking, the animal should be fed on 

 moist food, in order to allow the distended tube to regain its normal shape. 

 The passage of a probang down the gullet requires great skill. 



OSTEOPOROSIS. 



We shall have very little to say of osteoporosis or big head, as it is by no 

 means a common disease. This affection of the bones is generally seen in 

 young animals. The bones being ill-nourished, become light and of a 

 spongy texture. Those of the face in particular are more especially affected, 

 and the face thus becomes much enlarged, and altered in contour. This 

 disfigurement of the features gives the animal a very peculiar appearance. 

 Death generally ensues as the result of the diseased condition of the bones, 

 but recovery sometimes follows judicious treatment. Laxative diet and the 

 administration of vegetable and mineral tonics are necessary. 



MELANOSIS. 



Melanosis is an affection almost entirely confined to old grey horses. It 

 consists in the growth of darkly coloured sarcomatous tumours in different 

 parts of the body. The internal organs are often invaded by these 

 malignant growths, but, as a rule, they just make their appearance on the tail, 

 or on the region of the throat and neck, or on other parts. Sometimes a 

 tufnour will grow on old grey horses very gradually for several years, 

 probably seven or eight or more, without producing any noticeable ill effects. 

 It may then suddenly start growing more rapidly, and unless removed it may 

 increase until it bursts, and forms an unhealthy ulcerating wound, which will 

 not heal. It is commonly supposed that, if a melanotic tumour be removed, 

 it will necessarily reappear. 



In the year 1884, we removed a melanotic tumour from the throat of an 

 aged grey pony. Some years previously, the owner was advised that 

 recovery was impossible, as the tumour would grow again, and that the 

 wound made would not heal. It, however, was increasing rapidly when we 

 were called in. We advised its removal, and after putting the animal under 

 ether and chloroform, which were used instead of pure chloroform, as the 

 poor creature was broken-winded, the tumour was successfully taken away. 

 The animal made a perfect recovery, and up to the present time there has 

 been no recurrence of the growth. 



