The disease called piles depends on an enlarged and varicose condition of the haemorrhoidal veins, which are distributed to the submucous tissue at the lower part of the rectum. The mucous membrane is lax and hypertrophied at the same time.

Piles are either internal or external: the former, when seated within the external sphincter of the anus; the latter, when found outside that muscle. Both may co-exist in the same animal.

* For the dose, see "Introductory Remarks."

Want of exercise, the use of purgatives, constipation, stimulating food, straining in the act of faecation, diseases of the liver interrupting the circulation of the blood and producing distention in the haemorrhoidal veins, are the most frequent causes of piles. The dog's rectum is peculiarly exposed to disease; first, because from his natural constipated habit of body he strains forcibly in the act of voiding faeces; and, secondly, because he swallows many things that are of an indigestible nature, and that for that reason pass into the rectum, and set up local irritation or inflict local injury.

Symptoms

The rectal opening, instead of being firm, small, and contracted, is enlarged, swollen, loose, and protruding mucous membrane, whose vascularity is greatly increased. There is a discharge of foetid mucus, and more or less pain to the touch, or during the performance of the natural act. The piles protrude, especially under the last-named circumstance, and blood may follow, although this last symptom is a somewhat rare occurrence in consequence of the horizontal position of the dog's rectum.

A tumour, arising from the same cause as piles, and sometimes accompanying them, is sometimes found on one side of, and either above or below, the orifice of the rectum. The tumour is very painful; at first red, afterwards purple; and attains to a considerable size. Left alone, it bursts, discharges a large quantity of thick offensive bloody matter, leaving a large, deep, ragged ulcer, which is prevented from healing by the movements of the part, and by the dog rubbing the surface on the ground. This swelling, however, should not be left to itself, as in proportion to its dimensions will be the size of the remaining ulceration. When it is soft and fluctuating, it should be freely opened and afterwards well fomented, for the double purpose of relieving pain and insuring cleanliness. Under certain unfavourable circumstances, this disease is apt to return, until at length the ulcer takes on an unhealthy or cancerous character, and kills the dog.

Treatment

Aconitum * should be given when the piles are inflamed, tender to the touch, and the parts increased in vascularity.

Mercurius when there is a mattery discharge, hardened faeces, and disordered liver.

Nux vomica is a valuable remedy for piles with constipation.

Sulphur is suitable for the same cases, and may be resorted to in the event of the last remedy not proving successful.

Hepar sulphuris should be given for the purpose of assisting to bring the rectal abscess to a head.

Calendula lotion † should be applied several times a-day after evacuation of the abscess to promote healing.

* For the dose of these medicines, refer to the "Introductory Remarks." † See Appendix.