198 KENNEL DISEASES. 
ear has long been affected, the drum membrane is usually congested, and in 
time is apt to become thickened ; from which condition there is decided loss in 
hearing-power. 
Where the inflammation is almost entirely confined to the ear-flap and the 
passage does not appear much affected, the trouble is generally eczema, and as 
a rule it yields very readily to the oxide of zinc ointment, or an ointment com- 
posed of the oleate of zinc, one drachm, vaselin, half an ounce. In a few cases 
the frequent application of the sulphur and lard ointment is sufficient, provided 
there is but little swelling and the victim does not seem to suffer very great 
discomfort. Yet even in mild cases the shaking of the head and scratching at 
the ear are so constant that rarely is it advisable to trust to so simple a remedy. 
To control the shaking of the head and flapping of the ears by means of a 
cap or bandage is desirable if possible. But the same should be of light ma- 
terial and open texture, for anything of the sort that is closely woven, warm or 
heavy must shut out the air from the affected parts, and thus, by intensifying the 
heat and inflammation therein, add much to the sufferer’s discomfort. Again, 
not very often can an ordinary appliance of the kind be kept in place without 
quite constant vigilance on the part of the caretaker. If, however, a dog per- 
sists in constantly shaking his head and frequently pawing at his ears, there is 
no alternative, and a covering must be used. 
A knitted cap or bandage is the best; but in the absence of such, preference 
is to be given to one made of muslin or thin cotton. The form usually chosen 
is generally too wide and comes too far forward. It should be broader in the 
middle than at the ends, to each of which should be attached three pieces of 
tape. The cap adjusted so that its anterior edge comes a little back of the eyes, 
one tape should be tied in front of it, one over its middle, and the other around 
the neck. It will not be easily removable then, but if the dog succeeds in pull- 
ing it off over his eyes, more tapes must be sewed to its posterior edge, and by 
the means of these the cap be fastened to the collar. 
Endeavoring to dispense with a cap or bandage and rely on some medicinal 
application to control the itching and consequent flapping of the ears, cocaine is 
the remedy to be tried; and it should be incorporated with the oxide of zinc 
ointment, the proportion being not less than 3 per cent of the former. 
This ointment should be applied to the reddened parts as often as necessary 
to keep them coated with the same; and if there is notable improvement it 
should be persisted in until recovery has occurred. 
Should the case be obstinate and the gain very slow, a mixture of carbolic 
acid and glycerin should be obtained, there being one-half a drachm of the 
former to one-half an ounce of the latter. 
While treating the affected parts with this mixture, once a day for two or three 
days, the ointment containing cocaine is to be used, being first applied fifteen 
minutes after the painting, and frequently during the day. 
