DISEASES OF THE EAR. 



By M. R. TRUMBOWER, D. V. S., Sterling, 111. 



Diseases of the ears of cattle are not very common, for the reason, 

 probably, that they are not subjected to the brutality of drivers so much 

 as horses, and that the horns to a great extent protect them against 

 external violence. 



OTITIS INFLAMMATION OF THE INTERNAL EAR. 



Inflammation of the deep part of the ear is often difficult to recog- 

 nize in cattle. It may be caused by disease of bone in that region, 

 from blows inflicted by drivers or from injury by other cattle. Occa- 

 sionally the car becomes involved in actinomycosis, or the inflamma- 

 tion may be the result of a tuberculous affection. 



Symptoms. The animal will hold its head to one side, or shake it, 

 while the ear itself is held immovable. The movement of the jaws in 

 eating ii.-uul !y gives rise to a manifestation of pain ; the base of the ear 

 may be feverish and swollen, and very sensitive to the touch. If the 

 inflammation has advanced to a suppurative stage matter will flow from 

 the ear, which generally emits a very offensive odor. 



Treatment. At first hot fomentations to reduce pain and fever, fol- 

 lowed by a sharp blister below the ear. Laudanum, one part to ten 

 parts of sweet oil, may l>e injected into the ear to relieve pain and to 

 soften the secretions. If there is a discharge from the ear it should be 

 thoroughly washed out by injecting warm soapsuds until all the matter 

 has leen washed away, then inject the following mixture twice a day: 

 Sulphate of morphia, 4 JO grains; water, 1 pint: glycerine, 4 ounces. 



ABSCESS. 



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

 outside, caused by contusions. A serous eynt is found occasionally 

 between the cartilage and the skin on the base of the ear, whieh may 

 le due to a similar cause. 



Trcatmnti. Make a, free incision with the knife into the most promi- 

 nent part of the abscess or cyst, then wash out the sac with carboli/ed 

 water, using a syringe for the purpose. If the absrcss ivrurs, OJKMI it 

 again, wash it out, and inject tincture of iodine, or fill it with iodofnrui. 



3GT 



