result in pneumonia. It may be necessary to drench the animal with a very
small quantity of water for the purpose of diagnosis. The most common form
of choke in horses is that due to accumulation of dry food in the
oesophagus. The administration of a drug that stimulates the secretion of
saliva is a very successful method of relieving this form of choke.
Pilocarpine is the drug commonly used. Cheap whips should not be introduced
into the oesophagus for the purpose of dislodging the foreign body. There
is always danger of the whip becoming broken off, and the broken part
lodging in the oesophagus. Neither should such rigid objects as a broom or
rake handle be introduced, because of the danger from serious injury to the
walls of the pharynx and oesophagus. The flexible probang, which is usually
made of spiral wire covered with leather, is a very useful instrument to
relieve choke when in the hands of an experienced operator. If the object
causing the choke is situated in the neck portion of the oesophagus, it may
sometimes be moved forward, or toward the stomach by pressure with the
fingers.

CASTRATION.--The castration of the male is a common operation in domestic
animals. The purpose of the operation is to render the animal more useful
for work or meat production.

_The age_ at which the operation is performed varies in the different
species. The colt is usually castrated when he is one year old, and the
calf, pig and lamb when a few weeks or a few months of age. It is not
advisable to castrate the young at weaning time. The operation and the
weaning together may temporarily check the growth of the animal. Colts that
are undeveloped and in poor flesh, or affected with colt distemper, should
be allowed to recover before they are operated on. In all animals, it is
advisable to wait until after they have recovered from disease and become
thrifty and strong.