Choke in the Ox. 



Choke in cattle differs very much from the same 

 condition in horses in so far as treatment is concerned 

 and also as regards the nature of the agents producing 

 the choke. 



In the cow probably most chokes are from solid 

 bodies, such as portions of vegetables and other solid 

 food. These block the esophagus chiefly because their 

 dimensions exceed its calibre. 



Choke in cows is usually a more threatening ail- 

 ment than it is in horses; the symptoms are more 

 acute. In addition, tympanites is a common compli- 

 cation. The treatment of choke in cattle is almost 

 wholly mechanical or surgical. 



When the offending body is in the cervical portion 

 of the esophagus, it can usually be plainly felt by 

 palpating with the fingers. Sometimes the body is 

 so large that it produces a bulge in the esophagus 

 which can be plainly seen. 



If the veterinarian's examination locates the body 

 in the region of the pharynx or just below it, an effort 

 should be made to extract it through the mouth with 

 the hand while an attendant attempts to gently push 

 the body closer to the pharynx. When this attempt 

 fails, it is advisable to leave the patient alone for a 

 number of hours in a stall where only water is to be 

 had. In many cases where the offending body is in 

 the upper third of the esophagus, the object is ex- 



65 



