570 
(ESOPIIAGOTOM.Y ON A COW. 
extended ; and, as it was already very dark, the operation had to 
be performed by candle-light. The skin was divided over the 
tumour to the extent of five inches, and, having dissected down 
to the oesophagus, a potatoe, four inches in diameter, was extracted. 
This, however, it was necessary to cut in two pieces, to avoid ex- 
tending the opening in the oesophagus. As soon as the obstruction 
was removed, the patient became quieter, the tympanitis subsided, 
the discharge from the mouth ceased, and the bringing together 
of the parietes of the oesophagus became easy. This was done by 
three sutures, which were twisted together at the lower end of the 
incision. The divided ends of the skin were brought together in 
like manner with four sutures. This done, and the cow released, 
she was moved into the stable. Her head was fixed as high as 
possible. A bandage with a pledget over the wound was applied. 
This was easily kept in its place by extending it over the whole 
length of the neck, which, in the cow, offers great facility from its 
shortness. Cold applications were ordered during the night, and 
neither food nor water allowed. 
On the following day there was some swelling of the parts, and 
the respiration was slightly increased. Although the cow was 
lively, some meal and water that was ordered her she refused, and 
it became necessary to administer gruel out of a bottle ; but, as the 
sutures were any thing but drawn tight, a small portion of the drink 
escaped through them, and this tended to irritate the divided parts. 
During the first three days after the operation she was drenched 
only once a-day. The fourth day all was going on well. The 
swelling had become reduced : she now took her gruel ; and the 
rumination of the ingesta contained in the rumen previous to the 
accident re-established itself. In consequence of the regurgita- 
tion of the food, however, a considerable quantity lodged in the 
wound, causing the parts to bulge out like a fowl’s crop, which 
effectually prevented any fluid from escaping through it. 
Under these circumstances it seemed impossible for the parts to 
unite ; for as soon as one portion was dislodged another would occupy 
its place, and so prevent the healing process most effectually. On the 
fifth day the appetite completely returned. To prevent, however, 
any farther accident to the parts, she was kept from all solid food, 
and was allowed in lieu a pailful and a-half of oatmeal and bran twice 
in the day. This still disturbed the wound, so much so, indeed, 
that it assumed a livid appearance, and the divided edges became 
callous from the constant irritation caused through the contact of 
these foreign matters. The parts were touched with caustic, the 
sutures drawn tighter, and an application of cantharides, to which 
pot. tart, of antimony had been added, was applied. This* produced 
a considerable swelling; the wound assumed a healthy appearance, 
