208 KENNEL DISEASES. 
it contains many blood vessels. The most of these are small; but it is far more 
difficult to control bleeding from them than where the same occurs from large 
vessels. Besides this, even a very small wound of the flap is annoying to a dog, 
and causes him to shake his head at frequent intervals, in consequence of which 
healing is prevented. 
It is always best to stitch at once a tear in the ear if a notch is formed by it. 
After the operation, the dog should, by means of a hood, be prevented from flap- 
ping his ears. This is much easier said than done; still every effort to secure 
rest for the affected parts should be made; otherwise the stitches are sure to 
tear out if the wound is over half an inch in length; and if they do, the owner 
is in for a good deal of trouble; healing will be resisted, and the frequent oozing 
of blood in consequence of flapping the ears will prove exceedingly unpleasant. 
