178 PRACTICE OF EQUINE MEDICINE. 



object be further down, administer oil to lubricate the passage as 

 well as the object. 



If the body be in the thoracic portion, use the probang, which, 

 in the horse, is difficult, as we cannot get its head on a straight 

 line with the throat, and so cannot use a very large probang. When 

 using the probang, don't use violence, but gentle, continued pressure. 



If the object cannot be removed with a probang, wsophagotomy 

 can be performed. This is not very difficult; you cut down on the 

 oesophagus, expose it, make your incision above. There is some 

 trouble in healing, and danger of a constriction. In applying 

 sutures, be sure and have the mucous membrane included. 



STRICTUKE OF THE (ESOPHAGUS. 



Name the synonym. 



Strictura. 



Give the definition. 



This is a contraction, constriction, or narrowing of some por- 

 tion of the oesophagus, characterized by more or less severe symp- 

 toms of choke. 



What is the aetiology ? 



It may be produced by a wound, or by morbid deposits, as 

 tumors pressing on the oesophagus; also, cancer of the oesophagus, 

 or by parasites. 



There is usually a dilatation above the stricture, which can be 

 seen when the animal drinks. 



How is the diagnosis made ? 



It is made principally hy regurgitation of food and drink, and in 

 some cases by the passing of a probang. 



What is the treatment ? 



Some books recommend cutting down, but this depends very 

 largely on the extent and cause of the stricture; if the stricture 

 is slight, careful feeding is all that can be recommended. If severe, 

 destruction of the animal is advisable. 



DILATATION OP THE OESOPHAGUS. 



What is the synonym? 



Jabot. 



