326 STABLE MANUAL AND HORSE DOCTOR 



body, and thus give rise to that condition which goes by 

 the general name of dropsy. 



Windgalls of all denominations may be regarded rather 

 as the effect of congestion than of any inflammatory 

 disorder. Tliey form, generally speaking, without heat, 

 and without causing lameness. They are, in fact, enlarged 

 (hypertrophic) burs89 mucosae, originating in congestion 

 and augmented secretion, induced by the frequent or 

 undue exertion of parts, and are simply indications of 

 over-work. 



CHAPTER XXI 

 THE HORSE IN SICKNESS AND DISEASE 



DISEASES AND INJURIES OP THE GULLET, 

 STOMACH, PERITONEUM, AND INTESTINES. 



I.— Diseases and Injuries of the Gullet. 



CHOKING. 



The gullet, or oesophagus, of the horse is a most delicate 

 organ, yet barbarous violence is often practised on it by 

 grooms, carters, and farriers. Its lining mucous membrane 

 is thrown into small folds or wrinkles, marking the amount 

 of distension intended by Nature. Its outside is enveloped 

 by a large mass of cellular tissue to ensure its independence 

 of motion, unembarrassed by the surrounding parts. Its 

 channel is small, but large and strong enough for an 

 animal which masticates a long time before it attempts to 

 swallow, and to which nature has forbidden the power to 

 vomit. Yet when some foreign substance, ignorantly or 

 accidentally administered, becomes impacted in this deli- 

 cately organised structure, the butt end of a carter's whip is 

 employed to drive the obstructing substance onward. In 

 the words of Mayhew : " Should the obstruction be situated 

 low down the gullet, the whip handle is neither small 

 enough nor pliable enough to reach the offending object. 

 Should it be high up, the mass is thrust partially onward, 

 beyond reach of the human hand, and ultimate relief 



