164 
FOREIGN BODIES IN THE (ESOPHAGUS OF CATTLE. 
the rima glottidis may produce dyspnoea and struggling. In the horse, 
the narrowness of the space between the rows of molars and the soft 
palate render this procedure difficult, and it 
should not be attempted unless the patient 
is cast, when the hand may be introduced as 
far as the pharynx. 
(2) Reduction in size of the foreign body 
in situ may be effected in the case of potatoes 
and other boiled roots when they lie in the 
neck portion of the oesophagus by powerful 
pressure with both hands. Pieces of oilcake, 
masses of hay, and boluses can sometimes be 
moved in this way, and caused to gravitate 
towards the stomach. It has been recom¬ 
mended to place a piece of wood against one 
side of the neck, and to break down the foreign 
body from the other side with a hammer, 
taking care not to injure the oesophagus or 
produce solutions of continuity in the trachea. 
This, however, is a very rough-and-ready 
procedure, deprecated by all British teachers. 
(8) Forcing the foreign body onwards into 
the stomach. Where the above-described 
methods are unsuccessful, efforts should be 
made to pass the foreign body on into the 
stomach. This must not be attempted with 
sharp substances, such as bones, but may be 
successful with bodies having smooth surfaces 
or of soft consistence, as, for instance, roots, 
oilcake, and hay. For this purpose Munro’s 
oesophageal sound is used in horses ; failing 
this, a flexible cane may be selected, and the 
thin end, to avoid injury, surrounded with 
several folds of cloth firmly secured with whip¬ 
cord, or a strong, carefully oiled rope may be 
used. Although more easy and successful in 
oxen, Moller states that this procedure may 
also be used in horses even in the standing 
position. A mouth gag is applied ; in cattle, 
a simple piece of wood with a hole in the 
centre may be used (fig. 74). In the absence 
of a gag, the tongue is held by an assistant (best with the help of a 
cloth), and drawn well towards one side. A cord is passed round the 
Fig 
74.—Probang and month 
gag for cattle. 
