PROLAPSUS ANI. 423 



that will irritate the rectum may produce this condition, as 

 certain medicines, enemas, etc. 



Symptoms. — A mass as large as the closed hand may be 

 seen protruding. It presents a reddened appearance, and 

 in cold weather quickly becomes gangrenous. 



Treatment — The protruding parts must be nicely bathed 

 with warm water, and all hardened faeces removed from 

 the rectum, preferably by means of warm-water enemas, 

 but in case the enemas fail, the hand and arm should be 

 well oiled and passed into the rectum, when all hardened 

 faeces found therein should be carefuU}^ removed ; after 

 which, the protruding portion of the rectum should be 

 gently forced back into place, the hind-quarters elevated, 

 and the animal allowed very little food for a few days ; and 

 what is given should be of a laxative character, and readily 

 digestible. If there is much irritation present, an enema of 

 tepid water, with a small quantity of opii tr., should be 

 given. Local applications of an astringent and anodyne 

 character are also of great benefit, a very good application 

 being the following: o^\\ pulv., oak-galls, aa 3i. ; adeps, 

 ovi., to be applied a couple of times daily. This condition 

 occurs in all animals. If a portion of the rectum becomes 

 gangrenous, it should be removed by means of the ecra- 

 seur. 



RUPTURE OF THE RECTUM. 



Rupture of the rectum is quite a common injury, one 

 prolific cause of which is the metal nozzle of the old- 

 fashioned syringe. Mal-address in serving mares may also 

 cause rupture of the rectum. There is a possibility of 

 rupture in consequence of distension from gas ; but such 

 a cause rarely, if ever, operates in the production of the 

 injury. It is a very serious injury, and, if occurring in 

 the inferior part of the rectum, is almost certain to 



