Common Ailments. 113 



the dog shaking his head or scratching 

 the base of the ear, or perhaps by an 

 offensive odor. An examination will show 

 the inside of the ear to be red and in- 

 flamed, and perhaps somewhat puffed or 

 swollen, and if the disease is of long stand- 

 ing there is usually a tar-like liquid pres- 

 ent, together with an offensive odor. The 

 first remedy to be applied is warm and 

 strong castile soap suds. Thoroughly 

 wash out the ear with a soft sponge, and 

 when the external orifice is clean, turn the 

 head one side and fill the ear with the 

 warm soap suds, and gently knead the base 

 with the fingers, working the water into 

 the cavity, repeating this four or five times 

 during the day. A syringe, if properly 

 used, is very helpful, as with Its aid the in- 

 most recesses of the ear can be cleansed, 

 but I am loth to recommend its use unless 

 by experienced hands, as the ear is one of 

 the most sensitive and tender organs of the 

 body, and unless great care is taken to do 



