niSEASes OP THE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. 55 



Symptoms not so severe ; animal occasionally draws himself up ; arches 

 his neck ; and sometimes utters a loud shriek ; expression anxious, and 

 attempts at vomiting made ; abdomen full. Soften or lubricate the ob- 

 struction by pouring oil or mucilaginous drinks, as flax-seed tea, down 

 the gullet. Endeavor to move object by gentle pressure with the hands. 

 If oats or chaff, gently squeeze the lower portion trying to loosen a little 

 at a time. Work at least an hour before giving up, then if a failure, use 

 the probang. 



Thoracic Choke. Symptoms less severe, yet similar to above, and 

 if choke is not found between throat-latch and shoulder, it is 

 probably lower down. It can be successfully treated by means of the 

 introduction of oils and mucilaginous drinks and the probang. 



Probang and How to Use It. In the absence of the regular in- 

 strument, which must always be flexible and finished with a smooth cup- 

 shaped extremity, use an inch hose. Keep mouth open with a gag of 

 wood, head slightly raised and extended. The probang carefully guided 

 by the hand into the upper part of the gullet and gently forced down 

 until the obstruction is reached. Pressure then should be gradual and 

 firm. Do not use too much force, keep up a firm pressure until you feel 

 the object moving, after which you are to follow it rapidly to the 

 stomach. Never allow a whip-stalk or shovel handle to be used. 



DISEASES OF THE STOMACH. 



Stomach Staggers or Gorged Stomach. Properly named im- 

 paction. The stomach is so filled and distended that it loses all power 

 of contracting upon its contents. It is occasioned by too large a feed 

 after a long fast, or when animal has gotten loose and gained access to 

 grain bin and eaten ravenously. The small stomach of the horse and 

 inability to vomit will account for its frequent occurence. The animal 

 is dull and heavy, or drowsy; slight colicky symptoms are observed, 

 which are continuous; rarely lies down; carries head extended and low; 

 nearly touching the ground. Dullness increases; eyes are partially closed, 

 vision impaired; thrusts head against side of stall; paws or even climbs 

 with fore-feet. Breathes less frequently than in health; the pulse slow and 

 sluggish. All symptoms increase rapidly in severity; soon becomes de- 

 lirious; cold sweat on body; trembles violently; slobbers, out a sour fer- 

 menting mass, staggers from side to side, and plunges till he drops 

 dead. 



