DISEASES OP THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM. 191 



Bcmorrboids, Piles. 



These may project externally or be situated within the 

 Tectum. Internal piles cause a bloody appearance of the faeces, 

 and the animal appears stiff behind. The external project from 

 the anus sometimes to the extraordinary length of six to eight 

 inches, being an eversion of the rectum. The writer has seen 

 quite a number of these cases, the mucous membrane surface 

 being congested and ulcerated, the best treatment for which is 

 slaughter, for if the animal has not been suffering from 

 irritative fever due to the trouble, the flesh may with safety 

 be consumed by the public. This trouble generally occurs from 

 constipation, or may follow an attack of diarrhoea, and is due 

 then to an atonic condition of the bowel. AVe have classed it 

 here under the head of hemorrhoids. It is scientifically termed 

 prolapsus of the rectum, and only differs from protruding piles 

 in the large amount of surface exposed. 



Crcatmcnt. 



Laxative diet, the application of an ointment composed of 

 equal parts of sulphur and lard will be found of service, or 



Take. Acetate of lead 20 grains 



Tannic acid 2 drachms 



Calomel 2 drachms 



Sulphate of morphia 4 grains 



Glycerine 4 ounces 



Mix. Apply to the hemorrhoids. Where the piles pro- 

 trude, smear them with the ointment, and pass them back 

 through the anus, 



Pcritomtts. 



Is inflammation of the peritoneum or covering of the bow- 

 els, which also invests the walls of the abdominal cavity. This is a 

 very rare disease in sheep. The omentum or that part of the 

 peritoneum investing the bowels is remarkable for its large size. 



