72 DISEASES OF THE DIGESTIVE APPARATUS. 



erally results from a relaxed condition of the rectal mucous mem- 

 brane, Or from excessive straining from constipation or diarrhoea, 

 or labor-pains (Hertwig). It is generally seen iu young dogs that 

 have catarrh of the lower bowel. 



Symptoms. If the mucous membrane is protruded, it is only 

 noticed during defecation or urination. It is seen in the form of 

 dark red wrinkles that protrude from the rectum and return as 

 soon as the abdominal pressure has ceased. If the whole bowel is 

 prolapsed, we find under the tail a cylindrical projection, which 

 protrudes from where the anus was and hangs downward. The 

 mucous membrane that is exposed is wrinkled and congested, 

 and at the centre dependent portion an indentation is seen; this is 

 the opening of the intestines. Through this we can introduce the 

 finger into the intestine. At the anterior end the mucous mem- 

 brane passes directly into the skin at the anal opening. If there 

 is any invagination, tlie membrane does not terminate at the anus, 

 but seems to go into the rectum, and the protrusion can be lifted 

 up and passed into the rectum between the swelling and the rectum. 



Theeapeutics. The first thing to do is to remove the cause, 

 whether it be due to diarrhoea or constipation, and treat it with 

 astringents. The most important thing to do is to reduce the pro- 

 lapsus as soon as possible: place the dog on his front legs and 

 elevate the hind ones, and having cleaned and oiled the inflamed 

 portion return it to its normal position. If the mucous membrane 

 is very much swollen and inflamed, it is best to scarify it slightly. 

 If the folds of mucous membrane are blackened and decayed from 

 prolonged exposure, they must be trimmed off with the scissors. 

 The author has generally succeeded even in very bad cases in re- 

 ducing the protrusions by bathing them with cold water or by 

 compressing the protruded intestine by winding on a rubber band, 

 commencing at the external end and winding toward the base 

 of the swelling. It is much more difficult to reduce invaginated 

 intestine, as the more you press on the protruded part it packs 

 into the end of the rectum. A large bougie or candle is inserted 

 in the end of the protruded portion, and it is pressed into its natu- 

 ral position; or, if this does not succeed, perform laparotomy and 

 draw the invaginated intestine back into position from the abdom- 

 inal cavity. Degive has proven that there, is little danger from 

 this operation if it is performed with ordinary caution. 



