DISEASES OF THE RECTUM AND ANAL REGION 215 



than on the mucous aspect. The Hgature should be of 

 floss silk, which has been thoroughly well boiled to make it 

 sterile. In every case the anus should be thoroughly stretched 

 by the introduction of the forefingers of the two hands of 

 the surgeon until the contraction of the sphincter is entirely 

 o\'ercome. 



After-treatment. — After the operation the patient should 

 be kept without food for t\\'ent}--four hours, and during the 

 next three or four days should only receive milk, beef-tea or 

 other slopp}' diet in sparing quantities. Doses of opium should 

 be given two or three times dail)', the object being to keep 

 the bowels at rest. On the third or fourth da)- a dose of oil 

 and a warm enema can be given if the patient has had no 

 action of the bowels and seems uncomfortable. Localh' 

 the parts must be kept clean and dressed with some anti- 

 septic. 



Fistula of the Anus. 



True fistula of the anus is comparativelj' rare in the dog 

 or cat ; enlarged anal glands and other discharging sinuses 

 in this region are not uncommonh- confounded with it. 

 Foreign bodies, such as needles and sharp pieces of bone, 

 are the usual cause, and even fish-hooks have been discovered 

 in the rectum. Careful examination should alwa-\'s be made 

 by passing a blunt-pointed probe up the suspected fistula, 

 and at the same time feeling for the internal orifice with one 

 finger in the rectum. The probe must be passed ver}- care- 

 fully, and not in any ^\■ay forced, as there maj- be several 

 sinuses, some of them being blind ones. A rectal speculum 

 (Fig. 182) and electric lamp are of value for thorough ex- 

 amination, and in many cases \\'hen anaesthesia is complete 

 a considerable portion of rectum may be everted. 



Symptoms. — The patient is continuall}' attempting to reach 

 the anal region with the tongue, or drags its hind-quarters 

 along the ground, exhibiting signs of great irritation and 



