62 DISEASES OF THE HORSE. 
nose, or are dropped from the mouth, quidded. An examination 
of the mouth by inserting the hand fails to find any obstruction or 
any abnormal condition. These cases go on from bad to worse; the 
horse constantly and rapidly loses in condition, becomes very much 
emaciated, the eyes are hollow and lusterless, and death occurs from 
inanition. 
Treatment is very unsatisfactory. A severe blister should be ap- 
plied behind and under the jaw; the mouth is to be frequently 
swabbed out with alum or chlorate of potash, 1 ounce to a pint of 
water, by means of a sponge fastened to the end of a stick. Strych- 
nia may be given in 1-grain doses two or three times a day. 
This disease may be mistaken at times for foreign bodies in the 
mouth or for the so-called cerebrospinal meningitis. It is to be dis- 
tinguished from the former, upon a careful examination of the 
mouth, by the absence of any offending body and by the flabby feel 
of the mouth, and from the latter by the animal appearing in perfect 
health in every particular except this inability to eat or drink. 
ABSCESSES. 
Abscesses sometimes form back of the pharynx and give rise to 
symptoms resembling those of laryngitis or distemper. Interference 
with breathing that is of recent origin and progression, without any 
observable swelling or soreness about the throat, will make one sus- 
pect the formation of an abscess in this location. But little can be 
done in the way of treatment, save to hurry the ripening of the 
abscess and its discharge by steaming with hops, hay, or similar sub- 
stances and by poulticing the throat. The operation for opening an 
abscess in this region necessitates an intimate knowledge of the 
complex anatomy of the throat region. 
DISEASES OF THE ESOPHAGUS OR GULLET. 
It is rare to find diseases of this organ, except as a result of the 
introduction of foreign bodies too large to pass or to the administer- 
ing of irritating medicines. In the administration of irritant or 
caustic medicines great care should be taken that they be thoroughly 
diluted. If this is not done, erosions and ulcerations of the throat 
ensue, and this again is prone to be followed by constriction (nar- 
rowing) of the gullet. 
CHOKING. 
The mechanical trouble of choking is quite common. It may 
occur when the animal is suddenly startled while eating apples or 
roots, and we should be careful never to approach suddenly or put 
a dog after horses or cows that are feeding upon such substances. 
If left alone these animals very rarely attempt to swallow the object 
until it is sufficiently masticated. 
