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water was given through the nostrils, owing to the restiveness of the animal. 
When the obstruction consists of a piece of carrot or other solid body felt 
from the outside, it may be cut down upon and extracted. The wound is 
then sewn up by a fewstitches of carbolized twine, and is afterwards 
‘dressed with antiseptic applications. Food must be withheld. for a time 
after this operation, and at first should consist of linseed or oatmeal gruel. 
Indeed, in any case after the relief of choking, the animal should be fed on 
moist.food, in order to allow the distended tube to regain its normal shape. 
The passage of a probang down the gullet requires great skill. 
OSTEOPOROSIS. 
WE shall have very little to say of osteoporosis or big head, as it is by no 
means a common disease. This affection of the bones is generally seen in 
young animals. The bones being ill-nourished, become light and of a 
spongy texture. Those of the face in particular are more especially affected, 
and the face thus becomes much enlarged, and altered in contour. This 
disfigurement of the features gives the animal a very peculiar appearance. 
Death generally ensues as the result of the diseased condition of the bones, 
but recovery sometimes follows judicious treatment. Laxative diet and the 
administration of vegetable and mineral tonics are necessary. 
MELANOSIS. 
MELANOSIS is an affection almost entirely confined to old grey horses. It 
consists in the growth of darkly coloured sarcomatous tumours in different 
parts of the body. The internal organs are often invaded by these 
malignant growths, but, as a rule, they just make their appearance on the tail, 
or on the region of the throat and neck, or on other parts. Sometimes a 
tumour will grow on old. grey horses very gradually for several years, 
probably seven or eight or more, without producing any noticeable ill effects. 
It may then suddenly start growing more rapidly, and unless removed it may 
increase until it bursts, and forms an unhealthy ulcerating wound, which will 
not heal. It is commonly supposed that, if a melanotic tumour be removed, 
it will necessarily reappear. 
In the year 1884, we removed a melanotic tumour from the throat of an | 
aged grey pony. Some years previously, the owner was advised that 
recovery was impossible, as the tumour would grow again, and that the 
wound made would not heal. It, however, was increasing rapidly when we 
were called in. We advised its removal, and after putting the animal under 
ether and chloroform, which were used instead of pure chloroform, as the 
poor creature was broken-winded, the tumour was successfully taken away. 
The animal made a perfect recovery, and up to the present time there has 
been no recurrence of the growth. 
