OBSTRUCTION OF THE (ESOPHAGUS BY A BONE. 691 
more minute examination, proved to be an immense abscess, 
filled with a fluid resembling cream more than any thing else, at 
least four quarts : I think that 1 am stating rather under than over 
the mark. The sac which contained the pus appeared to be formed 
of the peritoneal covering of the liver, but much thickened and 
altered in its structure. There was also a smaller abscess at- 
tached to the right lobe of the liver. 
The general appearance of the liver was healthy ; the gall- 
bladder full, and its contents of a pale straw-colour ; the intes- 
tines perfectly empty ; the abomasum and maniplus the same — 
indeed the latter had an appearance as if it had been washed and 
sponged, so perfectly free was it from food. 
There was no apparent cause for the obstinate constipation 
which existed, with the exception of the abscess. 
I think you will agree with me that it could scarcely be called 
a case of constipation; but one in which the abscess, by its 
weight, acted mechanically in preventing the passage of the food 
from the reticulum into the maniplus. 
OBSTRUCTION OF THE (ESOPHAGUS BY A BONE. 
By Mr. W. Barker, Stokesley. 
This being an incident of uncommon occurrence, and knowing 
with what ardency and zeal you study the welfare of that noble 
and faithful companion of man, the dog, I am induced to send 
you the following narrative for insertion in your valuable peri- 
odical. 
On Tuesday, the 3d of October, 1843, I was sent for to look 
at a hound, the property of Lieut.-Col. Hildyard. The hunts- 
man informed me that, whilst out at exercise, the dog in question 
discovered a bone on the side of the road, which enticed him to 
fall out of the ranks ; the whipper-in following perceived what 
he was about and saluted him with a stroke from his whip. The 
dog, being intent upon the object of his prize, rather than lose it, 
swallowed it without mastication. The result was that it stuck 
in the oesophagus, and caused the animal to use violent efforts to 
throw it up, but all in vain. It had become an immoveable fix- 
ture. The dog travelled home, continually attempting to expel 
the bone, and foaming at the mouth ; until at length, being per- 
fectly exhausted, he lay down with his nose protruded, and gasp- 
