FOREIGN BODIES IN THE (ESOPHAGUS OF CATTLE. 
163 
forty-eight hours, when the material generally passes downwards. 
Further treatment in horses is much the same as in cattle, and under 
that heading fuller details are given. 
(B) FOREIGN BODIES IN THE (ESOPHAGUS OF CATTLE. 
From the nature of their food, and the narrowing of the gullet from 
the pharynx to the lower part of the neck, choking is moie common, in 
the ox than in the horse. Obstructions, as a rule, all occur close behind 
the pharynx, but are also tolerably frequent in the neck or thoracic 
portion. Death from suffocation sometimes results from cows attempting 
to swallow the after-birth, a portion of the membranes sticking in the 
oesophagus and pharynx, occluding the opening of the larynx, and so 
causing rapid suffocation. 
Symptoms, broadly the same as in the horse, comprise salivation, in- 
ability to swallow, attempts at eructation, difficult breathing, and, in 
ruminants, the addition of a grave symptom—tympanites. A portion of 
'the gases formed in the stomach are normally discharged through the 
oesophagus; but immediately the oesophagus is obstructed, these gases 
accumulate in the stomach and bowels, causing dangerous inflation. In¬ 
creasing distension interferes with breathing, and may cause suffocation. 
These symptoms can be completely developed in a few hours, and hence 
it is necessary to at once carry out appropriate treatment. It is worthy of 
note, however, that Favereau, who has treated many cases, states that in 
the majority the obstruction will pass into the rumen and recovery will 
occur if the rumen be punctured and an expectant attitude be assumed 
thereafter. The eanula may even be left in position for several days. 
Treatment may be by one of the following methods 
(1) Return of the foreign body into the pharnyx, usually success¬ 
ful where roots have remained fixed close behind the phaiynx. The 
operator places himself on the left side of the animal, passes his light 
arm over the neck, and with both hands (preferably with the thumbs) 
endeavours to push the obstructing body upwards by pressing in the 
oesophageal furrow. This usually succeeds if the animal’s head be left 
free. But, if firmly held, the animal becomes disturbed, and stretches 
out its head, and even if the foreign body is forced into the pharynx its 
further outward passage is arrested. Where the first attempt fails, it 
can however, be repeated, and, with a little dexterity, usually succeeds. 
In cattle, foreign bodies may be reached and removed from the pharynx 
or oesophagus by introducing the hand through the mouth. The head 
must be carefully fixed, and a mouth gag applied. The hand, protected 
with a glove, unprovided with fingers, is introduced rapidly and ener¬ 
getically but it must not be kept too long in the pharynx, as pressure on 
