162 FOREIGN BODIES IN PHARYNX AND (ESOPHAGUS OF HORSE. 
(A) FOREIGN BODIES IN THE PHARYNX AND OESOPHAGUS 
OF THE HORSE. 
In horses foreign bodies very seldom become fixed in the pharynx, but 
are more frequent in the oesophagus. As stated, they generally consist 
of pieces of oil-cake, potatoes, hay, boluses, eggs, or grass. Greedy 
feeders supplied with soft hay are common sufferers. A considerable 
section of the oesophagus is sometimes blocked, and the condition may 
recur at short intervals. Mollereau observed several recurrences within 
fourteen days. Graf found the oesophagus filled with hay throughout. 
The thoracic portion, or lower cervical portion, is usually the seat of the 
stoppage. Walther saw a horse whose oesophagus became occluded in 
consequence of its swallowing a safety pin which had perforated the 
oesophagus transversely. 
Symptoms. Animals cease feeding, slobber at the mouth, make chok¬ 
ing movements, and stand with extended neck, and strained, anxious 
countenance. Any food or water taken is discharged from the nose. 
Not even the saliva can be swallowed, and cough is often distressing. 
Considerable quantities of fodder accumulated in the thoracic portion 
may press on the trachea and produce dyspnoea. Foreign bodies in the 
neck portion may sometimes be recognised by swelling, or can be 
detected by palpation. In the horse the condition is seldom dangerous, 
as the material generally softens, and passes downwards, and boluses 
and pieces of oihcake, as well as hay and grass, may thus be removed 
without external assistance. The condition becomes graver, and horses 
may die, when such hard substances as eggs, boluses, &c., remain fixed 
in the thoracic portion, producing pressure on the trachea, and 
consequent suffocation, or mechanical pneumonia. Food or drink 
attempted to be taken are returned into the pharynx, and thence may 
enter the trachea. 
Treatment must take cognisance of this danger. All food should be 
Removed, but, after a time, a little water may be given to discover if the 
animal can swallow. Foreign bodies, fixed in the upper portion of the 
oesophagus, can be directly removed by drawing them back into the 
pharynx with the fingers. Immelmann administered pilocarpine, which 
produced excessive salivation, lubricating both the obstruction and its 
surroundings, thus facilitating the former being swallowed. This 
remedy increases, however, the danger of mechanical pneumonia, and 
caution is required in employing it. The probang or oesophageal tube 
can be used in quiet horses without casting them, but with somewhat 
greater difficulty than in oxen. Walther removed a potato with it, but 
hay often presents considerable resistance, and injury may be done if 
foice be used. It is, therefore, best to wait quietly for twenty-four to 
