Diseases of the Digestive System. 1 97 



lation with the fingers (the animal being held with the 

 hind quarters raised considerably above the body), and 

 afterwards dressed with cold astringent dressings. Injec- 

 tions or suppositories of the same nature should also be 

 continued for several days, and the food should be fluid 

 and laxative until the evidences of cure are established. 

 In chronic cases the organ may become so mutilated and 

 enlarged as to call for excision. To prevent the disease^ 

 avoid constipation of the bowels by a periodical feed of 

 uncooked liver, boiled greens, or purgation. 



Hsemorrhoids or Piles constitute a frequent disease 

 in aged dogs, and those subject to constipation and a 

 general state of relaxed fibre. Primarily they appear as 

 simple bulbs or tumours located on the outer-side of the 

 anal opening, or upon the lining mucous membrane 

 within. They are, therefore, known as external or 

 internal Piles, and consist of the enlarged veins of the 

 locality, their condition being due to the pressure arising 

 from straining to void faeces during constipation. "Such 

 pressure being long continued induces a tendency to 

 ulcerate or slough, by which a number of sores are formed 

 attended with more or less haemorrhage constituting 

 " bleeding piles." Further aggravation leads to the 

 formation oi fistula^ yAi\Q}c\ is an opening in amass of 

 condensed or diseased tissue, leading to a cavity, the 

 situation of a former abscess. The lodgment of sharp, 

 angular bones, or impaction by hard faeces lacerating the 

 rectum, are also common causes. The liver is under 

 disorder in most cases. 



Treatment. — An oleaginous aperient is best for simple 

 cases ; but when the liver is at fault, an aloetic pill with 

 calomel or the aperient blue pill should be given. In- 

 digestion must receive appropriate treatment as detailed 

 under that head, cod-liver oil forming a daily portion. 

 Local treatment should consist of the application of cold 

 water or ice for both forms, the latter being put inside 

 and allowed to remain. Lotions of alum or the sulphates 

 of zinc, copper, or iron, are also highly beneficial, but no 

 permanent good can result unless the feeding is improved, 

 and sufficient exercise is given to promote healthy 



