DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 81 



Fistula ijy tfwo. 



Fistula in Ano signifies an ulcer through the rectum, and a passage by 

 the side of it down through the fibres of the sphincter ani, the muscle 

 which surrounds the anus closing it hy contraction. 



Fistula of the anus may he met with in dogs, more commonly among the 

 house pet overfed and deprived of needed exercise. This affection is a 

 common result of abscess near the rectum. One eminent surgeon main- 

 tains " that it always commences with an ulceration of the mucous mem- 

 branes of the rectum, and an escape of the fecal matter into the cellular 

 tissue, which gives rise to abscess and fistula. " 



This affection may exist as follows — complete, having an external 

 opening near the anus, and another into the bowel above the sphincter 

 muscle — as a blind external fistula which has no opening into the bowel 

 — as the blind intestinal fistula which opens into the bowel but not exter- 

 nally. 



Symptoms . —Irritation and pain in the affected part causes the animal 

 to act much the same as when suffering from piles, licking the anus and 

 dragging himself along the floor, etc. If the fistula opens externally, less 

 difficulty will be experienced in making a diagnosis; still in but few cases 

 will detection be easy, but rather the reverse, as in many instances the 

 opening will be minute and need close scrutiny to discover it. The course 

 of an external fistula is that of a frequent recurring abscess; the cavity 

 fills up and discharges, the opening then closes and again the cavity fills. 

 In searching for a fistulous opening, a minute drop of matter in the centre 

 of a slight swelling will often mark its location. To explore its track a 

 small steel knitting needle will be sufficient. 4 



When a blind internal fistula exists its presence may be suspected by a 

 discharge, bloody, watery in character, and at times offensive. 



Treatment.— The constitutional treatment may be left to owners and 

 care-takers but the local surgical treatment never. The constitutional 

 treatment is symptomatic ; correct abuses, regulate the diet, and if weak, 

 strengthen. Constipation should be overcome by judicious dieting; among 

 other articles of food no better laxative is known than liver, which can 

 be fed in sufficient quantity to keep the bowels regular, or if preferred the 

 cream of tartar and sulphur as advised in piles may be given instead. 



Exercise should be enforced. If tonic remedies are demanded, cod-liver 

 oil, iron, or quinine may be administered. 



A radical cure of fistula demands a surgical operation. Of several pop- 

 ular methods , the elastic ligature is advised . When an operation is im- 

 perative, a competent surgeon should be employed and the method of 

 procedure left entirely to his judgment. 



