166 
FOREIGN BODIES IN THE (ESOPHAGUS OF CATTLE. 
curvature of the oesophagus at the entrance of the chest, notable espe¬ 
cially in horses, one or other may be tried where the foreign body is low 
down and cannot otherwise be forced on. Dinter deprecates the forcible 
use of the oesophageal sound, and when it is unsuccessful, performs 
rumenotomy, and awaits the passage of the foreign body, which almost 
invariably occurs in six to eight hours. Strebel confirms this, but in 
one case had to wait forty-eight hours for the passage of the obstruc¬ 
tion. He also suggests giving small doses of oil. Willach also 
recommends this expectant treatment. 
(5) Incision into the oesophagus. (Esophagotomy. This operation can 
only be performed in the neck portion of the oesophagus, and is only 
indicated where the measures above described fail. It is the last 
possible resource, where one has to deal with sharp substances, like 
bones, &c. Its difficulties and dangers are usually exaggerated; it is 
not dangerous to life, and is only occasionally followed by bad results, 
though some degree of stricture must be expected. Quiet animals, such 
as cattle, may be operated on in the erect position. After clipping the 
hair from the left side of the neck, over the foreign body, and rather 
below than above this, an incision is made through the skin, about 
4 inches in length, on the anterior or under border of the jugular vein, 
and parallel with it. After dividing the muscles of the neck or their 
fasciae, the loose connective tissue encountered must be torn through by 
means of the two forefingers. The carotid is first sought, and will be 
immediately recognised by its pulsation. The finger is then passed 
forward in the direction of the posterior aspect of the trachea, where 
the oesophagus can easily be found, especially if a foreign body is fixed 
in it. It is drawn forward, and its two coats divided as far as seems 
necessary for removal of the foreign body. 
As I)ette has correctly remarked, it is desirable to make the incision 
in the skin under the jugular vein, and not over it, as is often 
described, in order that wound discharges and any portions of food 
may flow away as easily as possible. Further, the operation wound 
should not be larger than is absolutely necessary; whilst the oesophagus 
should be separated as little as possible from its surroundings. Under 
certain circumstances the potatoes or roots may be broken down within 
the oesophagus and the pieces removed through a smaller wound. The 
parts must be sutured, as far as possible, with chromic catgut, first 
bringing the mucous membrane together, and then the muscular coat. 
The skin wound is better left unsutured, as healing by primary 
intention cannot be expected. The catgut threads need not be removed, 
as they become absorbed. The wound is treated on general principles. 
For the first twenty-four hours food and drink must be completely 
withdrawn, though, if absolutely necessary, pure water may be given. 
