29 



may get the obstacle farther toward the moiitli by continued efforts. 

 If we fail with the hand, forceps may be introduced through the mouth 

 and the object seized when it is just beyond the reach of the fingers. 

 Should our efforts entirely fail we must then endeavor to force the 

 obstruction downward by means of the probang. This instrument, 

 which is of such signal service in removing choke in cattle, is decidedly 

 more dangerous to use for the horse, and I can not pass this point 

 without a word of caution to those who have been known to introduce 

 into the horse's throat such objects as whip-stalks, shovel-handles, etc. 

 These are always dangerous, and I have seen more than one horse die 

 from this barbarous treatment. 



Cervical clioT^e. — In this, as well as in thoracic choke, we must first 

 of all endeavor to soften or lubricate the obstruction by pouring oil or 

 mucilaginous drinks down the gullet. After this has been done we are 

 to endeavor to move the object by gentle manipulations with the hands. 

 If choked with oats or chaff (and these are the objects that most fre- 

 quently produce choke in the horse), we should begin by gently squeez- 

 ing the lower portion of the impacted mass, and endeavoring to work 

 it loose a little at a time. This is greatly favored at times if we apply 

 hot fomentations immediately about the obstructions. We should 

 persist in these efforts for at least an hour before deciding to resort 

 to other and more dangerous modes of treatment. Should we fail, 

 hoAvever, the probang may be used. In the absence of the regular 

 instrument, which must always be flexible and finished with a smooth 

 cup-shaped extremity, we may use a long piece of inch hose. The 

 mouth is to be kept open by a gag of wood or iron and the head 

 slightly raised and extended. The iDrobang is then to be carefully 

 guided by the hand into the upjier part of the gullet and gently forced 

 doMTiward until the obstruction is reached. Pressure must then be 

 gradual and firm. Do not, at first, attemj^t too much force, or the 

 oesophagus will be ruptured. Simply keep up this firm, gentle pres- 

 sure until you feel the object moving, after which you are to rapidly 

 follow it to the stomach. If, again, this mode of treatment is unsuc- 

 cessful, a veterinarian or medical doctor is to be called in, who can 

 remove the object by cutting down upon the gullet, opening it, and 

 removing the offending body. This should scarcely be attempted by 

 a noAace, as a knowledge of the anatomj^ of the parts is essential to 

 avoid cutting the large arter}-, vein, and nerve that are closely related 

 to the oesophagus in its cervical j^ortion. 



Thoracic clioke can only be treated by means of the introduction of 

 oils and mucilaginous drinks and the careful use of the probang. 

 Some practitioners speak very highly of the value of thick soap-suds, 

 generously horned down the animal's throat. 



Stricture of the oesopJiagus is mostly due to corrosive medicines, pre- 

 vious choking (accompanied by lacerations, which, in healing, narrow 

 the passage), and pressure on the gullet by tumors. In the majority 



