400 The Management and Diseases of the Dog. 
CHOKING. 
Dogs very frequently get choked, especially ravenous 
feeders. A portion of bone or solid matter, too large, or 
from its shape impossible to be passed down the cesophagus, 
becomes fixed, it may be in the upper portion of the throat, 
the pharynx, or some distance down the tube. 
Treatment.—lf the obstruction is not deeply lodged, and 
can be seen or felt, an attempt should be made to extract it 
Fic. 39. 
THROAT FORCEPS, 
with forceps. An ingenious instrument for this purpose is . 
sold by Arnold and Sons, London. (See Fig. 39.) 
When, however, the substance is too low for extraction 
a whalebone probe, having a portion of sponge fastened on 
the ena and dipped in oil, may be gently passed down to 
the obstruction and then steadily pushed onwards. Before, 
however, attempting this measure, it is advisable to mani- 
pulate externally with the fingers, as the substance may be 
of such a nature that external pressure may break it down 
and facilitate its onward passage. Pins, needles, and other 
sharp substances may be removed by moving the probe 
about, rotating it, and then withdrawing it. 
Considerable irritation often ensues after choking, and 
when the lining membrane of the cesophagus has been 
lacerated, a great degree of inflammatory action is sure to 
follow ; to subdue patil, and act as local sedative, warm 
bread and milk and broths should for some days afterwards 
form the sole diet of the animal, 
