214 DISEASES OF THE RECTUM AND ANUS 



should be taken to prevent injuring the sphincter muscle. 

 The flaps of skin should be either trimmed off to form a 

 circular opening, or stitched back to prevent adhesions taking 

 place. The passage of a small sound daily, keeping the edges 

 of the wound well lubricated with vaseline, or the direct 

 application of silver nitrate every day or two, will prevent 

 adhesions. In cases where the rectum is also involved, 

 treatment is not to be attempted. 



Artificial occlusion from collections of feces can be removed 

 by clipping away the hair or feathers from around the anal 

 opening, softening the hardened mass by the use of warm 

 water, and administering a purgative or allowing laxative 

 foods for a few days. 



When foreign bodies are present, a careful examination 

 should be made to determine their size and character. They 

 should be removed carefully to prevent laceration of the 

 tissues. 



A purgative is advisable, and if the foreign body has led 

 to atony of the walls of the lower bowels, small doses of 

 strychnin sulphate (0.0005-0.001) should be administered 

 daily. 



PROCTITIS. 



Definition. — An acute inflammation of the mucous mem- 

 brane of the rectum. 



Etiology.— Proctitis is observed quite commonly in the 

 dog and cat and results usually from the same causes that 

 produce inflammation of other parts of the alimentary tract. 

 Also, it occurs frequently from direct injuries, such as inser- 

 tion of the thermometer, careless manipulation with the 

 finger, frequent passing of catheters or sounds, or the injec- 

 tions of too strong antiseptic solutions or soapy water, etc. 

 All of these conditions will produce a more or less severe 

 proctitis depending upon the amount of injury done to the 

 mucosa. 



Pathology. — The mucous membrane becomes reddened 

 and congested, especially at the apex of the folds; hemor- 

 rhages and erosions are often observed. Hemorrhages take 

 place from the mucous membrane, and occasionally small or 



