Spasm of the (Esophagus. CEsophagismus. 91 



ticate and swallow green food which gradually filled the whole 

 length of the gullet, practically paralyzing it. In ordinary cases 

 a small sound can usually be passed into the stomach. In cases 

 of obstruction, however, by a solid morsel, or by an accumula- 

 tion of soft solids, the probang will enable one to detect the con- 

 dition. The acute symptoms may occur in paroxysms of a few 

 minutes in length, between which, the animal remains dull and dis- 

 spirited until the new attack supervenes. Recovery is at times 

 as sudden as the onset, though there remains, for a length of 

 time, liability to a relapse. Cadeac has seen a succession of such 

 attacks which extended over a year and a half. 



Treatment. In many cases the passage of a probang or sound, 

 will, by the mere distension of the gullet, overcome the local 

 spasm, though it may be necessary to repeat the operation several 

 times. In case the sound causes much pain the end of the in- 

 strument may be well smeared with solid extract of belladonna, 

 and after passing this as far as the obstruction a short time may be 

 allowed, before its passage is again attempted. In case obstruc- 

 tion by soft solids has taken place, the passage of the wire loop 

 will serve to break up the mass and even to draw it up toward 

 the mouth. 



The administration of antispasmodics is the next indication. 

 Chloroform or ether by inhalation or in solution in water, chloral 

 hydrate as an enema, morphia or atropia hypodermically may 

 be used according to convenience. Bromide of potassium and 

 other antispasmodics given by the mouth, too often fail to pass 

 the obstruction and thus prove useless, except in the intervals of 

 the spasms. 



Fomentations of the lower border of the neck with warm water, 

 and frictions over the region of the gullet with camphorated spirit, 

 essential oils, ammonia, or in calves with oil of turpentine, often 

 contribute to relieve the spasm. 



Finally, after the severity of the attack has passed, a course of 

 bitter tonics and above all, of nux vomica will fortify the system 

 against a relapse. 



