76 A GLANCE AT THE VETEMINARIAN.” 
and interfere with the natural functions of the muscular fibres of 
the intestines, upon the due performance of which the peristaltic 
action depends—that action w'hich slowly and regularly propels 
onwards the contents of the bowels. Very many of these cases 
have been recorded within these few years past. Is it that such 
cases are really become more frequent: or (as your intelligent 
correspondent, Mr. Pritchard, observes) does it arise “ from me¬ 
dical men having studied more the pathology of the organ?” 
Let it come from what cause it may, it appears to be a truth, 
and rather a serious one it is for some of us private practitioners. 
A gentleman sends for one of us to attend an invaluable horse, la¬ 
bouring under the “ gripes,” and he himself having the gripes all 
the time his favourite is suffering; and we, in spite of all our stre¬ 
nuous endeavours, unable to relieve either him or his horse; but, 
after all, compelled to go with a long face, and tell him his 
hopeful is dead; adding, by way of consolation, that it being a 
case of strangulated bowel, “ nothing could save him;” when 
he (no doctor himself) turns round and looks, if he does not out- 
right say, “ then, what the dehl is the use of your pretended 
art?” All this is beyond a joke : and therefore let us profit, as 
much as we can, by Mr. Percivalfs opinion, though it be but 
theory; and learn this from it—to call up every efficacious re¬ 
medy we possess with all possible promptitude, and relax not 
one moment from watching and doing something as long as 
we conceive the case to be within human power. Let us also 
learn, from this same conjecture of Mr. P.’s, in cases of much 
endurance, to warn our employer that such may or is likely to 
be the nature of the case, in order that we may, at least, quench 
the fire of his animosity a little, though we cannot untie the 
knot the gripes has made in the guts of his horse. 
Mr. King's Cases of Choking in Horses and Cattle. 
Right welcome, my old and worthy friend, Mr. King!—It is 
not often you give me the treat of looking at you upon paper; 
but, when you do, you never fail to endow me with one more 
practical wrinkle; and that, I need not tell you, is worth two 
problematical ones. Your single communication to The Ve¬ 
terinarian has put me in possession of more information on 
the subject of choking” than all I have read, or even had an 
opportunity of seeing, has done; and I am no ignoramus (at 
least, in my own opinion) in these matters either. I remember 
an uncle of mine had a horse that had almost been choked by a 
potatoe : they shoved the broom handle, however (or some such 
thing), into his throat, and dislodged it before I (who was sent for 
