DISEASES OF THE EAR. 



By M. R. Teumbower, D. V. S. 

 [Revised in ISO! by Leonard Pearson, B. S., V. M. D-] 



Diseases of the ears of cattle are not very common, for the reasons, 

 probably, that they are not subjected to the brutality of drivers so 

 much as horses and that the horns to a great extent protect them 

 against external violence. 



OTITIS (INFLAMMATION OF THE INTERNAL EAR). 



Inflammation of the deep part of the ear is often difficult to recog- 

 nize in cattle. It may be caused by disease of bone in that region, 

 from blows inflicted by drivers, or from injury by other cattle. Occa- 

 sionally the ear becomes involved in actinomycosis, or the inflamma- 

 tion may be the result of a tuberculous affection. 



Symptoms. — The animal will hold its head to one side, or shake it, 

 while the ear itself is held immovable. The movement of the jaws in 

 eating usually gives rise to a manifestation of pain; the base of the ear 

 may be feverish and swollen, and very sensitive to the touch. If the 

 inflammation has advanced to a suppurative stage, matter will flow from 

 the ear, which generally emits a very offensive odor. 



Treatment. — At first hot fomentations to reduce pain and fever, fol- 

 lowed by a sharp blister below the ear. Laudanum, 1 part to 10 

 parts of sweet oil, may be injected into the ear to relieve pain and to 

 soften the secretions. If there is a discharge from the ear, it should be 

 washed thoroughly out by injecting warm soapsuds until all the matter 

 has been washed away; then inject the following mixture twice a day: 

 Sulphate of morphia, 20 grains; water, 1 pint; glycerin, 4 ounces. 



ABSCESS. 



Abscesses sometimes form about the base of the ear, either inside 

 or outside, caused by contusions. A serous cyst is found occasionally 

 between the cartilage and the skin on the base of the ear, which may 

 be due to a similar cause. 



Treatment. — Make a free incision with the knife into the most promi- 

 nent part of the abscess or cyst, then wash out the sac with carbolized 

 water, using a syringe for the purpose. If the abscess recurs, open it 

 again, wash it out, and inject tincture of iodin, or fill it with iodoform. 



FUNGOID GROWTHS. 



As a result of laceration or wound of any kind, fungous growths 

 may develop on the ear, characterized by a raw, bleeding, granulating 

 surface, with a tendency to become pendulous. 

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