274 THE DOG IN DISEASE. 



results. The dangers to be feared after operation are 

 blood-poisoning, inflammation — as peritonitis, etc.— and 

 haemorrhage. 



After operation, ice in cloths, held to the anus for 

 some time, has proved useful in warding off these evils. 

 The patient must be kept quiet and free from pain and 

 the bowels confined. 



Growths around the anus are mostly epithelial in char- 

 acter, as warts or polypi. When small, their treatment 

 may be similar to that adopted when found in the mouth 

 or other parts (see page 247) ; but when large, more care 

 must be taken, as haemorrhage may be difficult to control. 



Excision, with the use of the thermo-cautery just after- 

 ward, may be demanded. 



The differential diagnosis between such growths and 

 cancer should not be difficult when the history and age of 

 the animal are known. Cancerous growths, except during 

 degeneration, are usually very firm. Cancer rarely attacks 

 animals in their prime. 



Perineal Abscess and Fistula in ano are closely related. 

 Pus collected in the region of the perineum and consti- 

 tuting abscess is very liable, if not freely evacuated early, 

 to affect the bowel and ultimately lead to an opening into 

 it, constituting fistula, which is said to be hlind when 

 there is no external opening through the perinseum. The 

 indication is to open the abscess and evacuate the pus by a 

 free incision. 



Fistula is rarely cured except by opening up the bowel 

 and perineum, which can be done well by passing a 

 grooved director through the external opening and then 

 through the internal, turning the inner end out through 



