TUMORS— NEOPLASMS OF THE EAR 493 



OTITIS MEDIA AND INTERNA. 



This condition is not very common in small animals. It 

 occurs most frequently in rabbits from parasitic invasion. 

 The diagnosis is difficult as the condition. is usually compli- 

 cated with involvement of the auditory nerve, or pachy- 

 meningitis. No treatment is of any value. Sedatives would 

 be indicated to control the nervous symptoms. 



TUMORS. NEOPLASMS OF THE EAR. 



Neoplastic formations are not so common in this location. 

 Papillomata occur commonly on the inner surface of the 

 outer ear, but malignant tumors are rarely seen. Distentions 

 of the sebaceous ducts are occasionally seen. 



Papillomata. —These are found on the margins of the skin 

 or in some portion of the vestibule of the ear and appear 

 as single or multiple excrescences. They are flat, oval or 

 cauliflower-like in their growth. The surface is smooth or 

 roughened and frequently covered by a thick, greasy material. 



Symptoms. —The presence of tumors often leads to irrita- 

 tion and may produce otitis. (See Otitis.) On examination 

 they are observed either as isolated single tumors or multiple 

 tumors and with smooth or irregular surface. They are 

 often pedunculated and stand out prominently. ^Yhen in 

 the lower portion of the canal they may completely occlude 

 the opening. The diagnosis can be made positive by micro- 

 scopic examination. 



Prognosis.— Favorable. 



Treatment.— Operation is advisable. When large numbers 

 are present the animal should be anesthetized and the entire 

 surface cleaned and disinfected. The tumors are removed 

 as close to the base as possible, best by the scissors. The 

 base should be cauterized by the actual cautery. The after- 

 treatment consists in keeping the part clean and using an 

 antiseptic astringent powder (tannoform). If necessary a 

 head bandage or cap may be used to keep the ear quiet. 



