PROLAPSE OF THE RECTUM 217 



Diagnosis.— This is usually not difficult, as the parts can 

 be readily inspected. 



Prognosis. — When appearing in old animals a complete 

 recovery seldom takes place as the causes are difficult to 

 eliminate. However, in recent cases, or in younger animals, 

 the prognosis is more favorable, as a number of the cases are 

 amenable to treatment. 



Treatment.— The early indications in the treatment are to 

 regulate the bowels by the use of saline laxatives (magnesium 

 sulphate, dog 8.0-12.0), and laxative foods (soups, etc.) to 

 overcome constipation. 



Enemas of cold water are also useful to relieve the con- 

 gestion and irritation. Zinc oxid ointment will also be found 

 valuable for its astringent and lubricating properties. 



Should the internal hemorrhoids protrude into the canal 

 or through the anal opening, they should be grasped with 

 the forceps, drawn out through the anal opening, and 

 ligated (see Prolapse of the Rectum). In some cases where 

 ligation is impracticable, the rectum is dilated with a specu- 

 lum and the actual cautery applied, care being taken to 

 prevent injuring the adjacent tissues. 



In external hemorrhoids, it is advisable to operate In- 

 dissecting around them carefully, ligating them firmly at the 

 base with sterile silk or linen, removing the ligated portion 

 and suturing the skin wound. Should blood clots or abscesses 

 form they should be opened and treated with antiseptic 

 solutions. 



PROLAPSE OF THE RECTUM. 



Definition.— An eversion of the rectal mucosa, or the entire 

 walls of the rectum through the anal opening. 



Etiology. — An eversion of the rectal mucosa is very common 

 in the dog and cat, and occurs most often from a local hyper- 

 emia just anterior to the anal opening, the resultant swelling 

 forcing the mucosa out through the opening. Or it may 

 come from straining during constipation, diarrhea, or the 

 presence of parasites, or foreign bodies in the rectum. Rectal 

 prolapse is observed very often in puppies and kittens, due 

 in part to straining incident to catarrh of the bowels, presence 



