492 DISEASES OF THE EAR 



In the chronic form there will be extensive proliferation 

 of connective tissue projecting out into the auditory canal. 

 The mass is irregular in form, often pedunculated, and will 

 in some cases close the entire opening. 



Diagnosis.— The characteristic discharge and other symp- 

 toms as described make the diagnosis simple. Examination 

 of the discharge should be made carefully to determine 

 whether parasites are present or not. 



Prognosis.— In the acute form, favorable. After extensive 

 proliferation of tissue has taken place the prognosis is less 

 favorable and recovery is difficult. 



Treatment.— Both ears should be examined carefully to 

 determine the degree of involvement. It is essential in the 

 first place to remove all dirt and cerumen which has accumu- 

 lated. This is best accomplished by taking pledgets of 

 cotton or gauze on a dressing forceps, saturate them in ether, 

 thoroughly swabbing out the whole canal until all the debris 

 is removed. In this cleansing process all of the small inter- 

 stices between the swollen masses should be opened and 

 swabbed. The ether solution is necessary in order to dis- 

 solve the cerumen. With the scissors cut away all super- 

 fluous hair in the canal. Dry cotton or gauze should then 

 be used in making the surface perfectly dry and also to remove 

 any excess of ether which might be retained. An antiseptic 

 powder (boric acid; xeriform; tannoform) is worked down 

 carefully into the canal to produce antiseptic action and to 

 prevent the secretions adhering to the skin surface. This 

 treatment should be applied daily until the inflammation 

 and swelling subside. 



In the chronic form with proliferation of tissue and ulcera- 

 tion the canal should be cleaned as described and the surface 

 thoroughly cauterized with stick silver nitrate. To prevent 

 undue cauterization follow by salt solution. After the ulcera- 

 tive process is reduced antiseptic treatment can be substi- 

 tuted. Several weeks' treatment is often required in this 

 form. Should the animal continue to shake the head and 

 aggravate the condition a head cap may be employed for a 

 few days. In long-eared dogs the ears should be examined 

 every few weeks as there is danger of recurrence. Should 

 parasites be present treat with antiparasitics. 



