CHOKING.
Cause.—An obstruction of the Esophagus (gullet) produced by an animal attempting to swallow apples, potatoes, roots, dry grain, etc.
Symptoms.—A stringy discharge of saliva from the mouth, violent coughing, wrenching of the head and neck. The animal will bloat very quickly if the Esophagus or gullet is completely obstructed.
Treatment.—The obstruction as a rule is easily located, and as quickly as possible withdraw the obstruction by inserting the hand and extracting the object. Do not attempt to push the object down into the stomach, except as a last resort, as there is a great deal of danger of rupturing the Esophagus or gullet. Push the object upward by gentle manipulation from the outside. If this fails, a smooth piece of hose about eight or nine feet long, well greased with Lard, Butter or Oil, should be passed down the Esophagus or gullet. A block of wood about two inches in diameter with a hole bored through the center just a little larger than the hose, placed in the mouth, will prevent the animal from biting the hose, and make the operation easier.
When the animal is bloated severely, puncture with a knife about four or five inches from the point of the hip downward and forward.