160 THE EAR AND ITS DISEASES. 



CHAPTER IX. 



THE EAR AND ITS DISEASES. 



Canker in the Ear. All water-dogs, and some others, are subject to a 

 disease designated by this name, and which, in fact, is inflammation of the 

 integumental lining of the inside of the ear. When the whole of the body, 

 except the head and ears, is surrounded by cold water, there will be an un- 

 usual determination of blood to those parts, and consequent distension of 

 the vessels and a predisposition to inflammation. A Newfoundland dog, 

 or setter, or poodle, that has been subject to canker, is often freed from a 

 return of the disease by being kept from the water. 



The earliest symptom of the approach of canker is frequent shaking of 

 the head, or holding of the head on one side, or violent scratching of one 

 or both ears. Redness of the integument may then be observed, and 

 particularly of that portion of it which lines the annular cartilage. This 

 is usually accompanied by some enlargement of the folds of the skin. As 

 soon as any of these symptoms are observed, the ear should be gently 

 but well washed, two or three times in the day, with lukewarm water, 

 and after that a weak solution of the extract of lead should be applied, 

 and a dose or two of physic administered. 



If the case is neglected, the pain will rapidly increase ; the ear will 

 become of an intenser red ; the folds of the integument will enlarge, and 

 there will be a deposition of red or black matter in the hollow of the ear. 

 The case is now more serious, and should be immediately attended to. 

 This black or bloody deposit should be gently but carefully washed away 

 with warm water and soap ; and the extract of lead, in the proportion of 

 a scruple to an ounce of water, should be frequently applied, until the red- 

 ness and heat are abated. A solution of alum, in about the same quantity 

 of alum and water as the foregoing lotion, should then be used. 



Some attention should be paid to the method of applying these lotions. 

 Two persons will be required in order to accomplish the operation. The 

 surgeon must hold the muzzle of the dog with one hand, and have the root 

 of the ear in the hollow of the other, and between the first finger and the 

 thumb. The assistant must then pour the liquid into the ear ; half a 

 tea-spoonful will usually be sufficient. The surgeon, without quitting the 

 dog, will then close the ear, and mould it gently until the liquid has in- 

 sinuated itself as deeply as possible into the passages of the ear. Should 

 not the inflammation abate in the course of a few days, a seton should be 

 inserted in the poll, between the integument and the muscles of the 

 occiput, reaching from ear to ear. The excitement of a new inflammation, 

 so near to the part previously diseased, will materially abate the original 

 affection. Physic is now indispensable. From half a drachm to a drachm 

 of aloes, with from one to two grains of calomel, should be given every 

 third day. 



Should the complaint have been much neglected, or the inflammation 

 so great as to bid defiance to these means, ulceration will too often speedily 



