82 THE MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF THE DOG 



PILES. 



Dogs are very frequently afflicted with this troublesome af- 

 fection. Piles may be either external or internal, and assume 

 either the form of vascular tumors around the" margin of the 

 anus, or within it. 



External piles are composed of a congregation of varicose 

 veins. Internal piles are usually similar in formation, but 

 occasionally they are genuine pendulous tumors and so ex- 

 ceedingly vascular that the least pressure produces haemorr- 

 hage (bleeding piles). 



Causes. — Habitual constipation, abuse of purgatives, pro- 

 lorlged diarrhoea 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 tumors 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 inter- 

 ference as much as possible. 



Piles, if neglected, give rise to the formation of abscess, 

 extensive ulceration, fistula and tumor. 



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 oleaginous aperient 



