SURGICAL DISEASES 



CHOKING 



Choking is caused by Swallowing some sharp ob- 

 ject, such as a piece of bone, that penetrates the lin- 

 ing membrane of the gullet and becomes lodged in 

 the part, or by such objects as potatoes, roots, etc., 

 that are too large to pass along the canal and into 

 the stomach. Paralysis of the oesophagus may also 

 cause it. ' 



Symptoms. — In complete choke, the hog is unable 

 to swallow food, saliva dribbles from the mouth and 

 bloating occurs. If not relieved, death occurs in a 

 short time. The symptoms are not so serious in par- 

 tial choke, difficulty in swallowing and salivation 

 forming the main symptoms. 



It is sometimes difficult to recognize a partial 

 choke. In case the obstruction is lodged in the throat 

 or anterior part of the gullet, it may be felt when 

 the part is manipulated with the fingers. Instead of 

 grunting the hog • makes a shrill sound. The object 

 may be gotten rid of by vomiting. 



Treatment. — ^When the object is smooth and 

 lodged in the throat, it may be forced forward and 

 into the mouth by pressing below it with the fingers 

 and shoving it forward. It may also be dislodged by 

 introducing a blunt, flexible stick into the mouth and 



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