309 
Translations and Reviews of Continental 
Veterinary Journals. 
By W. Ernes, M.R.C.V.S., London. 
Annales de Medecine Veterinaires , Bruxelles, March, 1862 . 
PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS ON SPASM OE THE (ESOPHAGUS 
OF THE HORSE, AND ON THE TRANSMISSION OF ECZEMA 
EPIZOOTICA FROM THE OX TO THE HUMAN SUBJECT. 
By M. Guilmot, Government Veterinary Surgeon, Havelange. 
Sjmsm of the (Esophagus .— While the horse is feeding 
quietly he is suddenly seized with pain, which he exhibits by 
pawing, switching the tail, putting himself in a position 
for staling, and various other signs of uneasiness. The 
abdomen becomes distended with flatus; but, whatever may 
be the amount of pain and uneasiness, the animal never 
attempts to lie down. On a careful examination of the 
attitude of the animal, it is seen that the head is slightly 
elevated and brought forward, while the ears are flexed back¬ 
wards. By a sudden movement from behind forwards, the 
flanks are drawn up by the contraction of the abdominal 
muscles, the same as in the act of vomiting, which, however, 
does not take place, but the animal opens its mouth and 
utters a peculiar noise, as if suffering great pain. He then 
becomes quiet for a short time, to begin de novo . Deglutition 
is impossible. 
In a case seen by the author a draught which the proprietor 
had tried to administer had been rejected. On passing the 
hand over the course of the oesophagus, the author was struck 
with its rigidity; it was like a cord tightly stretched, and 
the slightest pressure on any part caused sharp pain, 
which was followed by the peculiar noise before men¬ 
tioned and ineffectual efforts to vomit. If we classify 
under the name of spasm all involuntary contractions of the 
muscles which are characterised by rigidity and complete 
immobility, it becomes evident that this was a case of spasm 
of the oesophagus. The dysphagia which accompanied this 
singular affection is only, the author thinks, a phenomenon 
connected with the principal lesion, which is essentially 
nervous. In two other cases observed by the author the 
animals had never been ill, had had no sort of colic, and 
both were attacked suddenly while feeding. The informa¬ 
tion obtained by the most careful observation, and examina- 
