Special report on diseases of the horse / by Drs. Pearson [and others].

Date:
1903
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: Special report on diseases of the horse / by Drs. Pearson [and others]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    54/690 (page 48)
    always denotes great anxiety and the eyes are bloodshot. The diag- nosis is complete if, upon passing the probang (a flexible tube made for this purpose), an obstruction is encountered. Treatment.—If the choke is at the beginning of the gullet (pharyngeal) an effort must be made to remove the obstacle through the mouth. A mouth-gag, or speculum, is to be introduced into the mouth to protect the hand and arm of the operator. Then, while an assistant, with his hands grasped tightly behind the object, presses it upward and forward with all his force, the operator must pass his hand into the mouth until he can seize the obstruction and draw it outward. This mode of pro- cedure must not be abandoned with the first failure, as we may get the obstacle farther toward the mouth by continued efforts. If we fail with the hand forceps may be introduced through the mouth and the object seized when it is just beyond the reach of the fingers. Should our efforts entirely fail we must then endeavor to force the obstruction downward by means of the probang. This instrument, which is of such signal service in removing choke in cattle, is decidedly more dangerous to use for the horse; and I can not pass this point without a word of caution to those who have been known to introduce into the horse’s throat such objects as whipstalks, shovel handles, etc. These are always dangerous, and more than one horse has been killed by such barbarous treatment. Cervical choke.—In this, as well as in thoracic choke, we must first of all endeavor to soften or lubricate the obstruction by pouring oil or mucilaginous drinks down the gullet. After this has been done endeavor to move the object by gentle manipulations with the hands. If choked with oats or chaff (and these are the objects that most fre- quently produce choke in the horse), begin b}r gently squeezing the lower portion of the impacted mass and endeavor to work it loose a little at a time. This is greatly favored at times if we apply hot fomentations immediately about the obstruction. Persist in these efforts for at least an hour before deciding to resort to other and more dangerous modes of treatment. If unsuccessful, however, the pro- bang may be used. In the absence of the regular instrument, use a piece of inch hose 6 feet long, or a piece of new three-quarter-inch manila rope well wrapped at the end with cotton twine and thoroughly greased with tallow. The mouth is to be kept open by a gag of wood or iron and the head slightly raised and extended. The probang is then to be carefully guided by the hand into the upper part of the gullet and gently forced downward until the obstruction is reached. Pressure must then be gradual and firm. Do not, at first, attempt too much force, or the esophagus will be ruptured. Simply keep up this firm, gentle pressure until you feel the object moving, after which you are to follow it rapidly to the stomach. If this mode of treatment is unsuccessful, a veterinarian or ph}^sician is to be called in, who can