CHAPTER XV 

 DISEASES OF THE RECTUM AND ANAL REGION 



Prolapse of the Anus and Bowel. 



This condition is most commonly met with in young dogs 

 and cats, although adults are b}' no means exempt. The 

 protrusion usual!}- consists of everted rectum, but occasionally 

 of ileum or colon; the latter is much more serious to replace, 

 and necessitates an abdominal operation to put matters right, 

 as it generalh- accompanies an intussusception. In such a 

 case the sooner this is done, before adhesions take place, the 

 better for the chances of success (see p. i8o). 



Prolapsus Ani. 



Symptoms. — In slight cases the mucous membrane of the 

 anus alone is visible, appearing after defaecation as a small 

 red protrusion. It is most common in old, fat dogs, and 

 usually accompanies a visibl}' relaxed condition of the 

 exterior of the anus. 



Medicinal Treatment consists in an attempt to get the 

 patient into good general condition. In a fat dog a diet of 

 lean meat (raw for preference), given regularl)- and restricted 

 in amount, together with medicinal doses of iodide of potas- 

 sium and plent}' of exercise, is the best ; and, after the super- 

 fluous flesh has been reduced, a course of tonic medicine. 

 Astringent lotion (alum, tannic acid or lead) should also be 



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