126 CANINE DISTEMPER 
cannot recollect having seen a single case of this kind. 
Abscesses have been observed in various parts of the 
body, particularly in the parotid or submaxillary regions, 
about the eyes, lips, forehead, jaw, shoulder, or inguinal 
and umbilical regions. The swellings are said to have 
attained the size of an orange or cocoanut, their contents 
being of a thick yellow or cream-coloured purulent or 
hemorrhagic character. The condition is sometimes 
associated with a suppurative process of the laryngeal 
or pharyngeal regions, or even of the internal organs. 
“Healing is difficult, and frequently a fistula remains 
in communication with an extensive abscess cavity, 
especially in the region of the throat” (Gray). 
Suppurations of Anal Glands.—Occasionally a dog may 
become the subject of a suppuration in the anal glands ; 
or their ducts may become occluded, thereby producing 
swelling and irritation of the anus, resulting in obstruc- 
tive constipation. The animal evinces its discomfort by 
chasing or biting its tail, or sliding its anus along the 
ground in its attempts to relieve the irritation. Upon 
pressing the swollen glands a thick purulent material 
exudes, the evacuation of which affords the dog great 
relief. 
Otitis.—Otitis, or inflammation of the ear, occasionally 
accompanies or follows distemper, and in such cases 
arises probably as an extension of infection from the 
pharynx via the Eustachian tube, an otitis media being 
produced. The symptoms exhibited are whining and 
restlessness with a frequent scratching at the ear and 
desire to rub it against any fixed object. Attempts by 
the surgeon to manipulate it, however, are rigorously 
“opposed, unless the inflammation is early and of mild 
character, when the dog will usually welcome the rubbing 
or handling of the affected ear. Sometimes the inflam- 
mation becomes acute, and a copious purulent discharge 
