THE EAR 83 



the extremity of the flap will ensue through interference with 

 the circulation. 



In some cases the flap is bandaged flat on to the cheek ; 

 in others it is laid back over the forehead or poll; when 

 recovery is protracted, it is a wise plan to alternate between 

 the two. 



The sequel mostly to be feared is a permanent thickening 

 or shrinking, and consequent deformit\' of the flap of the 

 ear. 



Amputation of the Ear-flap or a Portion of it. 



This operation is sometimes necessar}- when the ear gets 

 se\erely injured or has on it ulcerating wounds \\hich cannot 

 be made to heal. Sometimes the continual bruising caused 

 b\' the animal shaking the ears when suffering from neglected 

 canker \\\\\ render amputation of the edges absolutely 

 necessar}- before healing can be effected. A general anaes- 

 thetic is used, and the offending parts are removed either 

 with a sharp pair of scissors or by the aid of a scalpel and 

 some solid substance (such as a clean block of wood) upon 

 which the ear is laid. 



Cropping". 



Cropping, by which is understood the clipping of the ears 

 in such a wax that the natural droop is entirely done awa}- 

 with, and a ' prick ' ear substituted, used to be done regularly 

 in several breeds, especially the Great Dane, griffon, bull- 

 terrier, and black-and-tan varieties. It was merely a 

 mutilation due to the dictates of fashion, and the revised 

 rules of the Kennel Club, which came into force on July i, 

 1903, did a great deal towards abolishing this unnecessary 

 cruelty. 



By Rule 6, 'A dog shall be disqualified from winning a prize, or from 

 receiving one if awarded, at any show held under Kennel Club rules . 

 if it be proved to the committee of the show " that if any cutting, piercing, 

 breaking by force, or any kind of operation or act which destroys tissues 



6—2 



