300 THE DOG IN DISEASE. 



at fault. It may be that alteratives, as arsenic, will be in- 

 dicated. 



When ear disease is chronic and the digestion is good, 

 tonics — as iron, quinine, cod-liver oil, etc. — will hasten a 

 cure. 



Good feeding is as valuable as any part of the treat- 

 ment. It should be very bland when the disease is acute, 

 but nutritious when chronic and discharges are profuse. 



Otitis Media, or inflammation of the middle ear, as a 

 primary affection is rare. It may arise from extension of 

 canker, from blows or other injuries, etc., but sometimes 

 it will not be possible to assign a cause. 



At the outset the pain is often very severe ; the dog 

 may whine, cry out, or rub his head on the ground. In 

 all such instances, if there are no external signs of disease, 

 this affection may be suspected, especially if the cause can 

 not be found in the mouth, as a decayed tooth, etc. After 

 a few days pus is likely to issue from the ear, and then the 

 disease simulates canker. 



The danger to be most apprehended is extension to the 

 brain, causing meningitis, or abscess of the brain itself, 

 which may end fatally by pressure or blood-poisoning. 



The prognosis should always be guarded. 



Treatment. — The most urgent indication is the relief 

 of pain by opiates, combined with bromide of potassium, 

 warm medicated (belladonna, etc.) injections into the ear, 

 and counter-irritation to the back of the head and neck. 

 Warm syringing gives great relief, and should be fre- 

 quent ; but immediately after, the ear should be filled with 

 cotton-wool dipped in a sedative solution and covered up 

 well. Turpentine painted on moderately two or three 



