The Head and Neck 63 



by the presence of the Symbiotes auricularum, which, however, is 

 eiKtremely rare. Should ulceration once disturb the integrity of the 

 parts a further and constant irritant exists in the presence of the 

 resultant tissue debris which has no chance to escape by drainage. 

 The condition then assumes chronicity, the integument of the audi- 

 tory canal becoming thickened, sometimes to such degree as to oc- 

 clude the passage. This thickening is to be distinguished from the 

 not uncommon papillomatous excrescences. While the inflamma- 

 tion may extend as far as the tympanic membrane, it is very rare 

 that the latter becomes involved. When the disease is allowed to 

 become chronic it sometimes gives rise to the neoplastic forma- 

 tion known as papilloma. Complications in the form of hema- 

 toma of the concha or ulceration of its borders frequently arise as a 

 result of the violent shaking and scratching. 



Symptoms and Diagnosis. In the acute form the animal inces- 

 santly shakes its head, scratches its ears, or rubs them along the 

 ground. Examination of the ear reveals a hot, congested, and 

 tender internal integument, which in the inner recesses is generally 

 coated more or less with dirt and wax. A mirror and ear speculum 

 may be employed to facil- 

 itate inspection, and the 

 latter is indispensable to 

 permit of free view of the 

 ulcers. As the inflam- 

 mation progresses, sup- 



. . , , , J No. 14. Ear Speculum. 



puration takes place and 

 a fetid purulent liquid 



is discharged. The presence of ulcers and pus may always be as- 

 certained by the characteristic suction sound given forth by manipu- 

 lation of the base of the ear. If the disease is unilateral the head is 

 inclined sideways towards the affected sac. Hearing is often im- 

 paired. In the parasitic form epileptiform seizures have been ob- 

 served to take place, usually when the animal was excited. 



Treatment. Attention must first be directed towards removing 

 all dirt and wax and tissue debris and thoroughly cleansing the auri- 

 cula and external canal, particularly the innermost recesses of the 

 latter. This is best accomplished by irrigating the parts with moder- 

 ately hot water by means of a gentle stream from a fountain syringe. 

 Antiseptic solutions may be used for this purpose but their employ- 



