GASTRIC TYMPANY 



71 



never practised. I am referring to the use of a trocar 

 and cannula on the stomach, and the passing of an 

 oesophagus-tube. 



I think that most veterinarians will 

 agree with me in saying that puncturing 

 the stomach is not without a grave ele- 

 ment of danger, and therefore not to be 

 advised. However, should tympany of 

 the intestine also be present, the opera- 

 tion of puncturing the bowels should be 

 the first consideration. It is simple, 

 unattended with serious risk, and imme- 

 diately effectual in affording instant 

 relief. 



The use of the oesophagus - tube 

 is hardly likely to come into vogue. 

 It was first suggested by Percivall, 

 and afterwards advocated by General 

 Smith. That it would afford relief if 

 introduced no one would attempt to 

 deny. As General Smith's writings, 

 however, so far as I can trace them, 

 leave the instrument yet ' imperfect,' 

 the veterinary surgeon must either ex- 

 periment in that line himself, or wait 

 until someone has further improved upon 

 this mechanical means of treatment.^ 



' Since the above was written I have received 

 letters from two American practitioners, the 

 contents of which are at any rate interesting in 

 this connection. I give them here : 



Dr. A. T. Everett, of South Omaha, Nebraska, to whom I am 

 indebted for Fig. 7, says : ' Witli reference to tlie oesophagus-tube, 

 which you say is as yet "imperfect," I enclose you a cut of a 

 stomach-tube invented by Mr. D. O. Knisely, which seems to give 



Fig. 7. — D. O. 

 Knisely's 

 Stomach-Tube. 



