DISEASES OF CATTLE 427 



matter has 'been washed away; then inject the following mixture 

 twice a day: Sulphate of morphia, 20 grains; water, 1 pint; gly- 

 cerin, 4 ounces. 



ABSCESS. 



Abscesses sometimes form about the base of the ear, either inside 

 or outside, caused by contusions. A serous cyst is found occasion- 

 ally between the cartilage and the skin on the base of the ear, which 

 may be due to a similar cause. 



Treatment. Make a free incision with the knife into the most 

 prominent part of the abscess or cyst, then wash out the sac with car- 

 bolized water, using a syringe for the purpose. If the abscess recurs, 

 open it again, wash it out, and inject tincture of iodin, or fill it with 

 iodoform. 



FUNGOID GROWTHS. 



As a result of laceration or wound of any kind, fungous growths 

 may develop on the ear, characterized by a raw, bleeding, granulating 

 surface, with a tendency to become pendulous. 



Treatment. The whole tumor or diseased structure should be 

 cut away, and the wound treated daily with a dressing of carbolized 

 cosmoline or turpentine and sweet oil, 1 part of the former to 4 of 

 the latter. 



FOREIGN BODIES IN THE EAR. 



Bugs have been known to gain entrance into the ear of an ani- 

 mal. I once removed an acorn from the ear of a cow that had been 

 roaming in the woods. Accidentally, pieces of wood from a stan- 

 chion may become lodged in the ear. 



Symptoms. A continuous uneasiness or frequent shaking of the 

 head, occasionally the manifestations of exceeding great pains. The 

 animal may rub the head and ear against trees or other objects in an 

 endeavor to dislodge the offending body. 



Treatment. A careful examination will reveal the offending 

 cause, which may be removed with a pair of forceps or scraped out 

 with a hairpin or piece of wire bent at one end. If much inflamma- 

 tion exists, the ear may be swollen so that the foreign substance will 

 be hidden from sight; then a probe may be inserted to feel for the 

 object, which, when located, should be removed, even if it becomes 

 necessary to split the ear at the base to do so. Afterwards treat the 

 ear with frequent warm water fomentations and the injection of 

 soapy water or oil and water. 



SCURFY EARS. 



Cattle are subject to scurfy ears, which may be due to a general 

 morbid condition of the skin, or may be confined to the ears alone. 

 The affected animal shows an inclination to rub the ear; thick scales 

 of scurf collect on it, which sometimes have the appearance of hard, 

 dry, horny scales. This condition is chiefly due to a faulty secretion 

 of the sebaceous glands of the ear. Thoroughly clean the ear with a 

 stiff brush, then anoint it, so far as affected, with vaseline 4 parts to 

 1 part of white precipitate ointment. If the scurfy ears are only a 

 part of general scurfiness of the skin, the condition of the animal 

 needs attention. (See Pityriasis, page 413.) 



