52 



DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 



trouble, and Mossé in a few mules, old and young. The spasms 

 lasted from three-quarters of an hour to six hours. The Percheron 

 under Mollereau's observation was taken with convulsive motions 

 and vomiting ; be was accustomed to extend his head very much 

 upon his shoulders and gather his feet. The other horse observed 

 by the same author used to scrape the floor while eating, seemed 

 to have colic, could not swallow, and was taken with nausea when 

 any pressure was exercised upon the much-extended œsophagus. 



The cases described under the name of " intermittent paralysis 

 of the oesophagus are doubtless associated with periodic spasm of 

 this organ. 



The treatment ought to consist in the administration of anti- 

 spasmodic agents — bromide of potassium, chloroform, morphine, 

 etc. Mossé obtained a cure through œsophagotomy and the 

 application of an œsophageal tube. 



The spasm of deglutition which accompanies hydrophobia, 

 epilepsy, catalepsy, and tetanus is usually produced by contrac- 

 tion of the pharyngeal muscles, and of the muscular system of 

 the superior extremity of the oesophagus. The treatment does 

 not admit of any special medication. 



DISEASE OP THE BIRD'S CROP. 



The biru s crop is an alimentary reservoir in which the food 

 substances undergo a maceration which renders them more diges- 

 tible. These secretions possess a neutral reaction, and, according 

 to Foster, contain a ferment capable of transforming starch into 

 sugar. 



The pathology of the crop comprises two principal morbid 

 conditions: 1, Catarrh or inflammation of the mucous membrane; 

 2, Obstruction of the organ. These affections are also commonly 

 designated under the names of soft and hard crop. 



1. Catarrh and Inflammation of the Mucous Membrane 

 of the Crop. 



Etiolog-y. The catarrhal condition of the mucous membrane is 

 ordinarily provoked by abnormal retention, desiccation and decom- 

 position of alimentary matters, or through injection of substances 

 having already undergone a partial decomposition. Parasites of 



