OCCLUSION OF THE RECTUM AND ANUS 213 



which interferes with the normal development would pro- 

 duce imperforate anus. Sometimes the fetal development 

 will be interfered with sufficiently to produce occlusion of 

 both the rectum and anus. 



(b) An artificial occlusion of the rectum and anus (pseudo- 

 coprostasis) occurs occasionally in long haired dogs (poodles), 

 birds and cats (angoras) from the hair or feathers becoming 

 agglutinated with fecal matter which becomes dry and forms 

 a firm film or plaster over the anal opening interfering with 

 defecation. Also occasionally foreign bodies (splinters of 

 bone, needles, pins, etc.) are found which have successfully 

 passed other portions of the alimentary tract only to become 

 lodged at or near the anal opening interfering with the pas- 

 sage of the feces. 



Symptoms.— The congenital occlusion is seldom observed 

 until there is persistent and ineffectual attempts at defeca- 

 tion. Puppies when examined carefully will be found to 

 have the rectum distended with feces and an absence of an 

 anal opening, the skin being pouched out where the anal 

 opening should be. However, should the rectum and anus 

 both be imperforate the enlargement will be absent. The 

 abdomen becomes distended, and they refuse to nurse. 

 A careful examination -will at once reveal the condition. 

 There is more difficulty in recognizing an occlusion of the 

 rectum, but by passing a small probe or sound the condition 

 can be definitely determined. 



In artificial occlusion (pseudocoprostasis) the principal 

 symptom is the persistent attempts at defecation without 

 the passage of fecal matter. A careful inspection of the anal 

 region will at once reveal a collection of feces and the matted 

 hair or feathers. This condition if persistent will produce 

 symptoms similar to constipation or obstipation. (See Con- 

 stipation.) 



Diagnosis.— The diagnosis is quite readily established by 

 a careful inspection of the parts involved. 



Prognosis.— Favorable, except in congenital deformity of 

 the rectum. 



Treatment.— In imperforate anus, an X-shaped incision 

 should be made over the point distended by the feces. Care 



