AKD HIS DISEASES. 71 



the tube being well oiled, is cautiously passed down ; too 

 much force must not be used, however, else it may be pushed 

 through the gullet. If it moves with steady pressure, push 

 it right down into the stomach. In case of a ball, it may 

 often be got rid of by external manipulation, and an egg 

 may be crushed, if not too far down. 



When all means fail in removing it, as a last resource, it 

 may be cut down on, and removed, and the wound sewn up, 

 and a pad and bandage applied. This Operation, however, 

 rarely succeeds. 



SEQUELS OP CHOKING. 



Dilatation. — Dilatation of the oesophagus in pouches, in 

 which the food accumulates, sometimes follows choking. 



Treatment. — If occurring in the neck, a pad should be 

 applied, supported by a bandage round the neck ; the pouch 

 being occasionally cleared with a probang ; and nothing 

 but sloppy food should be given, and a little at a time. 



Stricture. — Contraction of the tube sometimes results 

 from repeated attacks of choking, giving rise to frequent 

 and troublesome collections of food at the part. These, 

 animals are poor feeders, and consequently are always thin. 



Treatment. — The greatest care is necessary in feeding 

 these horses, and nothing but slops and easily-swallowed 

 food should be given. 



Rupture of the Gullet. — This accident can only arise from 

 the incautious use of the prqbang forcing the obstructing 

 body, or the instrument itself, through the walls of the tube 

 giving rise to the swelling of the neck, with high fever, great 

 anxiety and suffering expressed on the countenance. If the 

 probang is passed down, it is withdrawn bloody. 



Treatment. — These cases generally prove fatal. Eemove 

 the foreign body by cutting it out, then clean the wound out 

 thoroughly ; make a fresh wound, and bring the edges nicely 



