27 



be obtained he sboiikl give this medicine by means of a hypodermic 

 syringe, injecting it deeply into the pharynx. In my experience the 

 blister externally, the frequent swabbing of the mouth, as above de- 

 scribed, and the use of a nerve stimulant are all that can be done. This 

 disease may be mistaken at times for foreign bodies in the mouth or for 

 the so called cerebrospinal meningitis. It is to be distinguished from 

 the former by a careful examination of the moutb, the absence of any 

 offending body, and by the flabby feel of the mouth; from the latter by 

 the animal appearing in perfect health in every particular except this 

 inability to eat or drink. 



Abscesses sometimes form in the i^harynx and give rise to symptoms 

 resembling those of laryngitis or distemper. Interference with breath- 

 ing, that is of recent origin, and progression, without any observable 

 swelling or soreness al)out the throat, will make us suspect the forma- 

 tion of an abscess in this location. But little can be done in the way 

 of treatment, save to hurry the ripening of the abscess and its dis- 

 charge, by steaming with hops, hay, or similar substances. If the ab- 

 scess can be felt through the mouth it must be opened by the attend- 

 ing veterinary surgeon. 



DISEASES OF TDE CESOPHAGUS OR GULLET. 



It is rare to find disease of this organ, except as a result of the in- 

 troduction of foreign bodies too large to pass, or to the exhibition of 

 irritating medicines. Great care should be taken in the administration 

 of 'irritant or caustic medicines that they be thoroughly diluted. If 

 this is not done erosions and ulcerations of the throat ensue, and this 

 again is prone to be followed by constriction — narrowing — of the gullet. 

 The mechanical trouble of choking is quite common. It frequently 

 occurs when the animal is suddenly startled while eating apples or roots, 

 and we should be careful never to suddenly approach or put a dog 

 after horses or cows that are feeding upon such substances. If left 

 alone they very rarely attempt to swallow the object until it is suffi- 

 ciently masticated. 



Choking also arises from feeding oats in a deep, narrow manger, to 

 such horses as eat very greedily, or bolt their food. Wheat chaff is 

 also a frequent source of choke. This accident may result from the 

 attempts to force eggs down without breaking or from giving balls that 

 are too large or not of the proper shape. 



Whatever object causes the choking, it may lodge in the upper part 

 of the oesophagus, at its middle portion, or close to the stomach, giving 

 rise to the designations oi i^haryngeal, cervical,, and thoracic choke. In 

 some cases where the original obstruction is low we find all that part 

 of the gullet above it to be distended with food. 



The symptoms will vary according to the position of the body causing 

 choke. In pharyngeal choice the object is lodged in the upper j)ortion of 

 the oesophagus. The horse will j)reseut symptoms of great distress, 



