68 THE COMMON COLICS OF THE HORSE 



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

 and cannula on the stomach, and the passing of an 

 cesophagus-tube. 



I think that most veterinarians will agree with me in 

 saying that puncturing the stomach is not without a 

 grave element of danger, and therefore not to be 

 advised. However, should tympany of the intestine also 

 be present, the operation of puncturing the bowels should 

 be the first consideration. It is simple, unattended with 

 serious risk, and immediately 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 Veterinary-Lieutenant-Colonel 

 Smith. That it would afford relief if introduced no one 

 would attempt to deny. As Colonel Smith's writings, 

 however, so far as I can trace them, leave the instrument 

 yet ' imperfect,' the veterinary surgeon must either experi- 

 ment in that line himself, or wait until someone has 

 further improved upon this mechanical means of treat- 

 ment. It is not likely to be adopted by the average 

 practitioner as a principal line in his treatment for these 

 reasons : It is rather cumbersome, adds to his impedi- 

 menta, and can only be required in quite a small 

 percentage of the cases of ' colic ' he is called upon to 

 attend. Whatever treatment the practitioner has decided 

 to adopt, let him carefully remember one detail of the 

 utmost importance. When he has with certainty 

 diagnosed tympany of the stomach, it is his duty to 

 emphatically warn the owner and attendants of the 

 danger the horse runs if allowed to roll. It is extremely 

 likely to bring about the lesion I describe in my next 

 chapter, rupture of the stomach. 



