OTHER DISEASES OF THE EAR. 641 



2. Inflammation of the Flap of the Ear. 



Under this head we include all diseases of the external ear. 



First, then, we find the disease usually known by the name of external canker. It may exist 

 as a separate disease, but it is far more commonly found as a concomitant of internal canker. It 

 is more usual in long-eared dogs. The constant shaking of the head, from the irritation caused 

 by internal canker, combined with the acridity of the discharge from the ear, often produces an 

 inflamed condition of the flap, ending in ulceration, scurf, and thickening of the edges of the ear. 

 The ulcerated surface is often situated near the inside border, but more commonly it is the edge 

 of the ear or ears themselves that is the seat of this troublesome complaint, which the head 

 shaking in which the animal persists in indulging never fails to aggravate. The flap becomes 

 thickened, and splits, and a ragged, exceedingly unkindly edge is the result. 



Cases of this class are usually deemed very difficult to cure, and the first of those that came 

 under our own care we really found so ; but recently we have been more easily and speedily 

 successful. The treatment is as follows : When the ear is buried in long hair, probably matted, 

 have the latter removed with the scissors. Perfect cleanliness is the next thing to secure, and 

 for this reason have the ear well though gently washed with warm water and a little mild soap. 

 Then apply the ointment : simple benzoated oxide of zinc is generally all that is required, although 

 at times the following prescription 



$ Zinci. sulph. exsicat. ... ... 3 ij. 



Unguent simp. ... ... 3 j. M. 



may be found better. It may be necessary, too, occasionally to touch the sores with blue-stone, 

 or twenty-grain solution of nitrate of silver. 



The canker-cap must imperatively be worn, and in order to give the ears a better chance 

 of healing, we fold them back over the head, and bind them in that position. 



The strictest regulations as to diet and exercise must be enforced, but the animal must be 

 kept from the water, and not permitted to overheat himself. 



As to the barbarous habit of cropping, adopted by the old vets, and some kennelmen of the 

 present day, we never adopt it. 



An occasional purgative will do good, and the ear or ears must be bathed before every 

 application of the ointment, say twice a day. 



Secondly, abscesses of the flap of the ear are by no means uncommon, and cause great pain 

 and irritation. Sometimes these are accidental, being caused by blows from a rope or whip. They 

 often go away of their own accord, stimulated only by the application of blue ointment. If they 

 do not, they must be opened by a free incision ; for if only pricked the matter will form again, 

 while setons do more harm than good. The incision, then, must be free, and afterwards a little 

 lint is to be inserted, wetted in water to which a few drops of carbolic acid solution has been 

 added. The cap may be worn, and the ear turned back, and as soon as suppuration is formed, 

 the wound will heal if kept perfectly clean and softened by the zinc ointment. 



Thirdly, we have, either combined with ulceration of the ear or without it, an ekzematous 

 condition of the outside of the flap, and considerable thickening may sometimes be felt around 

 the edges. The hair falls off, beginning at the tip of the ear and ascending, and as long as 

 the disease lasts, a constant exfoliation of the dandruff goes on. Scurf of the ears is often 

 accompanied by mange in other parts of the body. 



Treatment. Frequent washing, attention to diet, cleanliness, and exercise, the application 

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