but more correctly speaking, prolapsus recti, is a common disease met with in all domestic animals; it occurs in three forms. In one the protrusion of the rectum involves both its mucous and muscular tunics, in a second its mucous coat alone, and in the third the inner portion protrudes into the outer, and the displacement is truly what is termed a volvulus, or intussusception.

The disease may originate from various causes. Firstly, from circumstances tending to relax and weaken the parts which retain the rectum, or its inner membrane, in its situation; secondly, from various kinds of irritation and pressure on the bowel itself, having the effect of increasing the powers by which it is liable to be forced outward; thirdly, from disease or the presence of worms in the adjacent parts and affecting the rectum sympathetically, or from difficult labour. Hence a prolapsus ani may be caused by hard dry feces and much straining to void them, or obstinate diarrhoea, or various diseases of the rectum itself, the abuse of purgatives and emollient injections, excrescences and thickenings of the inner membrane of the rectum, the difficulty of voiding water, the efforts of parturition, a calculi in the bladder, and paralysis.

The Treatment Of Prolapsus Ani

embraces three principal indications. Firstly, the speedy reduction of the prolapsed part;

Secondly, the retention of the reduced bowel;

Thirdly, the removal and avoidance of the causes by which the disease has been induced.

In general, when the case is recent and the tumour not of immoderate size, the reduction may be accomplished with tolerable ease by putting the animal in a suitable position. With the hind quarters raised, the fore ones depressed, and by making gentle and skilful pressure with the closed fist, you will in all probability succeed.

When, however, the inflammation and swelling are urgent, there is a difference of opinion regarding the treatment. Many assert that the part ought on no account to be irritated by repeated attempts at reduction, and advise recourse to fomentations or cold washes, as the case may be, and not to attempt reduction until the swelling has been lessened. And when the reduction is prevented by a spasmodic resistance, the use of anodyne poultices, fomentations, and the internal use of opium, are advocated.