CHOKE 41 



obstruction in eases that have a saculation of the esopha- 

 gus. Dilatation that is diagnosed in the cervical portion 

 of the esophagus would deserve operative interference 

 aiming at the restoration of the normal calibre of the tube. 

 Eesection of the atonic area and coaptation of the healthy 

 margins under aseptic precautions might prove suc- 

 cessful. 



It may occur in rare instances that the veterinarian 

 is called to treat a case of dilatation choke in the cervical 

 region that has been in existence for a week or longer, 

 and that has been subjected to injury of various kinds 

 at the hands of laymen or others. In such cases there is 

 usually a diffuse, rather firm swelling in and around the 

 jugular groove. There are traces of food particles in the 

 nostril and an odorous, creamy or syrupy discharge issues 

 from the nostril. The history which is given with the case 

 usually helps to make the diagnosis quite sure. 



Treatment, to be of avail in these cases, must be some- 

 what heroic. The large swelling must be incised and food 

 particles removed from the tissues if the esophagus has 

 ruptured or necrosed. If the esophageal tube is yet sound 

 the incision must be carried in to reach the esophagus, lay 

 it open and remove the collection of food or other matter. 

 After preparing the edges of the esophageal wall appro- 

 priately, this is to be sutured. The patient is to be sup- 

 ported with nutritious rectal injections until healing oc- 

 curs. The results from this treatment are usually sur- 

 prisingly satisfactory. 



