Choking in cattle is of common occurrence, in consequence of turnips,
potatoes, carrots, or other hard substances, becoming lodged in the
oesophagus, or gullet.
These obstructions can sometimes be removed by careful manipulations
with the hand; but, where this can not be accomplished, the flexible
probang should be employed. This is a long India-rubber tube, with a
whalebone stillet running through it, so as to stiffen it when in use.
This instrument is passed down the animal's throat, and the offending
substance is thus pushed down into the stomach.