OF VETERINARY MEDICINE. 139 



HEMORRHOIDS. 



A hemorrhoid or bleeding pile is a little tumor of the muc- 

 ous membrane due to interrupted circulation by pressure from 

 fecal matter. The fecal matter pressing upon the gut produces 

 passive congestion in a localized part of the mucous membrane. 

 Constipation is always the cause of piles. A portion of the anal 

 rose is sometimes caught in the sphincter and pinched. This 

 interrupts the circulation and forms external piles, li the piles 

 are on the inside they are produced by the hard fecal pellets. 

 Internal piles become chronic. The feces rub them and make 

 them bleed, hence the hemorrhage. 



Semeiology. — The symptoms are bleeding and painful defeca- 

 tion. The horse will switch his tail and the fecal matter is cov- 

 ered with blood. In the human sometimes a severe hemorrhage 

 occurs. The anus may be too small and contracted, making de- 

 fecation difficult. If the feces are hard great harm may be 

 done. 



When internal piles become chronic there is so much irrita- 

 tion that it leads to a local inflammation of the rectal follicles an I 

 runs through the first, second and third stages. If the abscess 

 is not treated and cured it will ulcerate and perforate the bowel. 

 In the horse the abscess is about two feet deep ; in the hog 3-5 

 inches. It is not uncommon in hogs and in the human to see an 

 opening on each side of the anus. In the horse the abscess may 

 contain 3-4 quarts of pus. If the abscess is not opened it will 

 rupture in from 10-30 days and become chronic. This is called 

 an anal fistula. 



Treatment. — First overcome the constipation. This is often 

 very difficult, especially in the human. In the domestic animals, 

 loosen the bowels with oil and then diet. Give dose (big) of 

 chloral hydrate; after a half hour dilate the anus with a specu- 

 lum and explore. If hemorrhoids are found, remove. Use anti- 

 septic solutions for 10 days and keep the bowels open. Give 

 salol. In case of external piles, remove in the same way, put- 

 ting back only as a last resort. Sulphur ointments should be 

 applied after each defecation. In the human astringents are re- 

 lied upon but they are not much good. 



