PILES^ — FITS. 643 



If the complaint arises from fuugi, the best plan is to 

 have recourse to excision of them with a scalpel or sharp 

 knife ; or they may be reduced by means of caustic applica- 

 tions. Burnt alum may be first tried, and if it does not 

 prove effectual, about an eighth of the quantity of red oxide 

 of mercury should be mixed with it. 



PILES. 



Cause. — Confinement, heat, and dry, heating food, as well 

 as frequent costiveness, produce piles. 



Symptoms. — ^The anus is generally protruded, and red, 

 which is frequently much aggravated by the dog dragging his 

 hinder parts on the ground, from the itching and sharp pain 

 of the parts. When they are habitual, the best appliance is 

 the following ointment : — 



Sugar of lead . . .6 grains. 

 Tar . . . . ^ drachm, 



Elder ointment, or hogs' lard 3 drachms 

 the part to be anointed with it three or four times a day. 



FITS. 



Dogs are very liable to be afflicted with fits of several 

 kinds, and arising from a variety of causes. 



EpileiJtic fits. — As in the human being, these are accom- 

 panied by severe convulsions, and they occur at all ages. 

 The cause of these is not well understood. However, they 

 are frequently the followers of distemper, costiveness, the 

 presence of worms in the intestines, teething in puppies, 

 and some affection of the brain. These are most difficult to 

 cure, if not incurable in many instances. Bleeding often 

 has the efiect of removing fits, but aperients should always 

 be administered ; and the following will be found of much 

 use : — 



