142 CANINE AND FELINE SURGERY 



Passing- the Probang-. 



A probang is passed whenever a foreign bod)- is sus- 

 pected in the throat or oesophagus out of reach of the 

 forceps. The mouth is fixed open with a speculum (see 

 Fig. 49), whilst the probang, after being carefully lubricated 

 and the stilette twisted a little so as to compress and stiffen 

 the horsehair portion, is passed lightly and carefully down 

 the oesophagus, care being taken that it does not enter the 

 trachea and so cause asphyxia. If the foreign body is a 

 large one, such as a piece of bone or gristle, gentle and 

 continuous pressure must be applied. On no account must 

 undue force be exerted, or laceration and rupture of the 



^Sa^S Fig. 113. — Two Patterns of Probang. 



oesophagus may result. This unfortunate incident may 

 already have occurred from constant pressure or friction of 

 the foreign body before the patient is brought for treatment, 

 the probang meeting with no opposition, and passing through 

 the \\-ound in the oesophagus into the chest or surrounding 

 tissues (see Fig. 114). If the obstruction is a small one, it 

 may either be forced onwards or withdrawn with the probang. 

 Needles and fish-bones are often removed in this latter wav, 

 becoming fixed either in the sponge at the extremity or in 

 the horsehair brush portion. 



Before being withdrawn, the handle of the stilette is pulled 

 upwards out of its socket, and, if thought necessary to stiffen 

 it, slightly twisted. It is then taken out and examined, or it 



