OPERATIONS ON THE EAR-FLAP. ^7 



In the cat this is not absolutely necessary, as the compara- 

 tively short, upstanding, ears of this animal do not allow of the 

 flap being injured so readily as that of the dog when the head 

 IS shaken ; even here, however, a bandage or cap is often useful, 

 as it gives a certain amount of protection against scratching 

 and rubbing. In applying a bandage care must be taken that 

 it is not put on too tightly, or necrosis of 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 deformity of the flap of the ear. 



Amputation of the Ear-flap or a portion of it.— This opera- 

 tion is sometimes necessary when the ear gets severely injured 

 or has on it ulcerating wounds which cannot be made to heal. 

 A general anesthetic is used, and the offending parts are re- 

 moved 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. 



In days gone by, when the cropping of dogs' ears was not 

 considered a cruel and unfashionable operation, the usual method 

 adopted was to fix a metal clamp of the required shape to the 

 ear-flap, the projecting parts being removed with a sharp scalpel 

 or razor. 



Any cartilage which protrudes should be carefully snipped off", 

 the parts being afterwards treated antiseptically. 



Operations to Cause the Ears to Droop.— Although an 

 operation for this purpose is illegal, and would therefore not be 

 done by a professional man, it is of the greatest importance that 

 he should be acquainted with the manner in which it is per- 

 formed, in order that, when called as an expert, he may know 

 where to look for evidences of this form of " faking " having 

 been practised. 



The object desired is a proper carriage of the ears in a certain 

 direction varying slightly with the breed of dog. Some animals. 



