DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 79 



<PlLES. 



Haemorrhoids or piles are small tumors situated near the anus. They 

 consist of folds of the mucous and sub-mucous tissues, and usually contain 

 large veins. These tumors may be in a state of congestion, swollen from 

 inflammation and very sensitive, or they may exist as a simple thickening 

 of the parts and comparatively free from pain. Sometimes the veins sup- 

 plying the anus become morbidly dilated forming knots, and at times the 

 blood in these distended vessels coagulates or clots, and a solid tumor is 

 formed. Again the whole mucous membrane of the lower part of the 

 rectum may become swollen, sensitive, and protrude at every evacuation 

 of the bowels, causing great pain, and at times bleeding. 



The tumors may be pendulous, varying in size, and hanging down from 

 the rectum productive of great tenderness and discomfort. External piles 

 may be met with in round bunches at the anus, in part covered by the 

 mucous membrane and partly by the skin. 



Causation. — The predisposing causes are any influences which pro- 

 duce a fulness of the abdominal blood vessels, or obstruct the return of 

 blood from the rectum to general circulation. Among them may be men- 

 tioned diseases of the liver, insufficient exercise, pregnancy, and habitual 

 constipation. When the latter complaint induces piles, they may be as 

 much attributed to the irritation and congestion which it excites as to the 

 impediment to the course of blood produced, for otherwise the tumors 

 would disappear when the bowels were freely moved, which is not the 

 case. 



The exciting causes may be straining to discharge the bowels as in dys- 

 entery, violent purgative medicines, in fact anything that irritates the 

 lower bowel. 



Symptoms. — The dog will generally by his manner draw attention to 

 the affection. Pain will lead him to lick the parts, and to relieve the itch- 

 ing which is commonly associated he will drag the anus along the floor, 

 or will rub himself astride a bar or against a post. Swelling of the parts 

 indicate the affection. Some blood may be found in the discharges. 



Treatment. — The primary object is to remove the predisposing and 

 exciting causes. If the animal is over-fed and has insufficient exercise, 

 his diet should be restricted and work be insisted upon. 



The bowels should be regulated and the discharges kept soft and copious. 

 The domestic remedy, cream of tartar and sulphur will probably be suffi- 

 cient, and may be given each morning with the food, two teaspoonfuls of 

 the former to one half a teaspoonful of the latter. If the piles are inflamed 

 bathing them with cold water frequently will afford relief, and insure 

 perfect cleanliness, one of the essentials. The following ointment should 



