Diseases of the Bowels. 85 



Causes. — Habitual constipation, abuse of purgatives, 

 prolonged diarrhoea or dysentery, plethora, torpid liver, 

 dyspepsia, over-stimulating food and confinement. 



Symptoms. — A swollen and relaxed condition of the anus, 

 with eversion and congestion of the mucous membrane. 

 If the piles are external, the margin of the anus is tumefied 

 and uneven. If internal, the tumours will frequently be 

 observed to protrude in the act of defecation, which is 

 attended with considerable pain, and the matter is often 

 mingled with blood ; occasionally also, an involuntary 

 foetid discharge takes place. ' 



Considerable itching attends either form, and a dog so 

 affected is continually licking the parts, or dragging himself 

 in a sitting posture along the floor. To manipulation they 

 are exceedingly sensitive, and the animal will avoid any 

 interference as much as possible. 



Piles, if neglected, give rise to the formation of abscess, 

 extensive ulteration, fistula and tumour. 



Treatment. — This consists, first, in attention to the diet 

 and general health of the patient. The food should be; 

 plain, nutritious, easy of digestion, and laxative; daily 

 exercise and occasionally cold baths are beneficial. 



Medicinal agents will depend upon the cause of the affec- 

 tion. Under most circumstances, a mild oleaginous aperient 

 is advisable. If the liver is inactive, the aloetic aperient 

 with calomel is most suitable ; while, if there is a relaxed 

 system with dyspepsia, iron and cod-liver oil is indicated. 



With regard to local treatment, iced water, or the direct 

 application of ice affords considerable relief If the piles 

 are internal, and attended with haemorrhage, recourse to 

 astringents will be necessary, and I know of none better 

 than alum, either in solution and injected, or the powder 

 made into a paste with flour and water and gently inserted. 

 A portion of ice may also, with benefit and ease to the 

 patient, be introduced into the rectum and allowed to melt 

 there. 



