698 SPORADIC DISEASES. 



it. The intestine is generally lacerated from being trodden 

 upon, and humanity renders it necessary that the animal should 

 he put out of its sufferings. 



HEMORRHOIDS OR PILES. 



With the exception of the dog, the domestic animals rarely 

 suffer from piles, which consist at first of congestion of the 

 mucous membrane at the verge of the anus, and subsequently 

 of dilatation of the haemorrhoidal veins, constituting small 

 tumours. These sometimes protrude outside the anus, and bleed 

 frequently. The diagnostic symptoms of piles are switching 

 of the tail, and a tendency to rub it against the wall ; pain 

 during the act of defecation, and the fieces being tinged with 

 blood. The dog sits on its haunches and pulls itself along in 

 that position. The examination of the anus will reveal the 

 presence of vascular tumours, and of much congestion and 

 swelling of the mucous membrane and skin. 



Treatment. — The cause of haBmorrhoids depends upon some 

 obstruction to the portal circulation, constipation, and frequently 

 on retention of hardened fieces in the rectum; the treatment 

 must therefore be directed to the removal of these by manipula- 

 tion, gentle laxatives, and a restricted diet. The uneasiness may 

 be modified by fomentations, enemas, and the application of 

 some mild astrincrent. Astrimrent ointments are also useful, 

 more particularly an ointment consisting of equal parts of oak 

 galls and hog's lard; the benzoate of zinc ointment is also a 

 useful application. 



IMPERFORATE AXUS. 



A congenital malformation met with in all the domesticated 

 animals, particularly in the pig. It gives rise to symptoms of 

 colic, and generally proves fatal shortly after birth. In some 

 instances the anal opening is well formed, but the rectum at a 

 short distance from it forms a " cul de sac," which is not con- 

 tinuous with the alimentary canal In other instances the anal 

 opening is permanently closed by skin, the bowel terminating 

 in a pouch underneath it. When this condition is met with, 

 relief is possible by puncturing the intestine, thus forming an 

 artificial anus. 



