SUPPURATION OF THE ANAL GLANDS 223 



slow growth, smooth surface and firm consistency. They 

 greatly interfere with defecation. 



Diagnosis.— While an approximate diagnosis may be made 

 from the symptoms, the growth and the general appearance 

 of enlargement, an accurate diagnosis depends upon the 

 microscopical examination. 



Prognosis.— Obviously the prognosis in all malignant 

 tumors is unfavorable, because of the danger of recurrence 

 and the difficulty of a complete removal. Benign tumors 

 when not too extensive take on the other hand a favorable 

 prognosis. 



Treatment.— Tumors should be extirpated early. Under 

 general anesthesia, and strict antiseptic precautions, they 

 should be carefully dissected out, including some of the 

 normal tissue to be sure the entire growth is obtained. A 

 ligature is applied firmly around the base of them to con- 

 trol the hemorrhage, when they may be removed with the 

 scissors or knife. Sometimes it is advisable to cauterize the 

 base of the tumor with a thermocautery. Other methods of 

 procedure in the removal of these growths will depend very 

 largely upon the location, size and character of the tumor. 



SUPPURATION OF THE ANAL GLANDS. 



This condition has been observed quite frequently in the 

 dog. The anal glands secrete a grayish or brownish material 

 of fetid odor and acid reaction, discharged through a circular 

 opening on either side of the margin of the anus. In old 

 animals the secreting membrane often becomes inflamed or 

 irritated from constipation, foreign bodies, infection, etc., 

 which changes the character of the secreted material. From 

 infection, the secretion becomes purulent and the orifice 

 partially or completely closed giving rise to a retention of 

 the secretion, and swelling. In some cases an increase of the 

 secretion may result causing discharge which collects on the 

 margin of the anus or soils the hair around the anal region. 

 Sometimes when the orifices become closed, and no outlet 

 is left for the escape of the discharge, the skin perforates 

 over the enlargement forming an exit for the escape of the 



