Diseases of the Bowels. 85 
Causes——Habitual constipation, abuse of purgatives, 
prolonged diarrhcea or dysentery, plethora, torpid liver, 
dyspepsia, over-stimulating food and confinement. 
Symptoms.—A swollen and relaxed condition of the anus, 
with eversion and- congestion of the mucous membrane. 
If the piles are external, the margin of the anus is tumefied 
and uneven. If internal, the tumours will frequently be 
observed to protrude in the act of defecation, which is 
attended with considerable pain, and the matter is often 
mingled with blood; occasionally also, an involuntary 
foetid discharge takes place. 
Considerable itching attends either form, and a dog so 
affected is continually licking the parts, or dragging himself 
in a sitting posture along the floor. To manipulation they 
are exceedingly sensitive, and the animal will avoid any 
interference as much as possible. 
Piles, if neglected, give rise to the formation of abscess, 
extensive ulceration, fistula and tumour. 
Treatment.—This consists, first, in attention to the diet 
and general health of the patient. The food should be 
plain, nutritious, easy of digestion, and laxative; daily 
exercise and occasionally cold baths are beneficial. 
Medicinal agents will depend upon the cause of the affec- 
tion. Under most circumstances,a mild oleaginousaperient 
is advisable. If the liver is inactive, the aloetic aperient 
with calomel is most suitable; while, if there is a relaxed 
system with dyspepsia, iron and cod-liver oil is indicated. 
With regard to local treatment, iced water, or the direct 
application of ice affords considerable relief. If the piles 
are internal, and attended with hemorrhage, recourse to 
astringents will be necessary, and I know of none better 
than alum, either in solution and injected, or the powder 
made intoa paste with flour and water and gently inserted. 
A portion of ice may also, with benefit and ease to the 
patient, be introduced into the rectum and allowed to melt 
there. 
