166 DROPSY. 



outwards. A mere external fistula, or external opening by the 

 side of the anus, not communicating with the rectum, may, in ge- 

 neral, be cured by any mild stimulant daily inserted to the "bottom : 

 but an internal one, by which is meant a fistulous communication 

 between the rectum and the external opening, which buries itself 

 into the cellular tissues around it, will usually require an operation 

 for its cure. A probe-pointed bistoury must be passed up the fis- 

 tulous orifice, while a finger of the unemployed hand is introduced 

 within the rectum, which will guide the section to be made. By 

 this means the fistulous cavity formed in the cellular substance, 

 and that existing in the rectum, are to be laid into one, by dividing 

 it down, from its utmost extent to the verge of the anus. When 

 a true fistulous opening exists, but not communicating with the in- 

 testine (which is very seldom the case in the dog), the point of the 

 bistoury, when it has been passed up to the limits of the external 

 wound, must be forced through the intestine and then carried 

 downward. It must, however, be remarked, that when this latter 

 fistula is the consequence of external violence, it should not be so 

 treated until fully tried by stimulants ; to which, as before observed, 

 it will comriionly yield without an operation. The section being 

 made, introduce lint dipped in the compound tincture of benjamin 

 between the edges of the wound, and into the sinuous hollow ; 

 keeping the body during the cure gently open. 



CLASS IV. 



MORBID COLLECTIONS OF FLUID. 



DROPSY (HYDROPS) 



Is by no means uncommon in canine pathology. Dogs are most 

 subject to ascites, or dropsy of the belly. In the next degree of 

 frequency they have hydrothorax, or dropsy of the chest ; less fre- 

 quently they have encysted dropsy ; and least of all are they sub- 



