PART XI. 



DISEASE OF THE EAR. 



Examination.— The external ear (concha) in dogs varies 

 greatly in size depending upon the breed and size of the 

 animal. It is easily examined by direct inspection. Careful 

 examination should be made for wounds, bruises, hematomas 

 and scars. Long hairs in certain breeds (cocker spaniels) 

 will interfere to a certain degree with the examination. In 

 cats and rabbits an inspection of the external ear can be 

 made without difficulty. Note sensitiveness to manipulation. 



The external ear canal can be inspected in ordinary day- 

 light but the examination is facilitated by the use of an ear 

 speculum and mirror to reflect the light to the bottom of the 

 canal. The operator should exercise care in the examina- 

 tion by either muzzling or taping the animal. Examine 

 the external canal for inflammation, tumors, foreign bodies, 

 cerumen accumulations and parasites. 



WOUNDS OF THE EAR. 



Various degrees of wounds are observed involving the 

 concha. Bites from other animals are the most common 

 causes. The lesion may be a simple scratch or cut in the skin 

 or the entire structure may be split in various degrees. Exten- 

 sive wounds are often found in all the animals. Constant 

 shaking the head especially in long eared dogs often leads to 

 extensive injury to the outer margin of the concha. This 

 mode of injury is often brought about by the parts being 

 irritated by insects (flies) and parasites (Otodectes cynotis). 



