ON THE DISEASES OF TIIE EARS OF DOGS. 317 
been subject to canker is often freed from a return of the disease 
by being kept from the water. 
* The first symptom of canker is frequent shaking of the 
head, holding of the head on one side, violent scratching of one 
or both ears. Redness of the integument will now be observed, 
and particularly of that portion of it lining the annular cartilage, ac¬ 
companied usually by some enlargement of the folds of the integu¬ 
ment. If the ear be well washed two or three times in the day 
with 1 uke-warm water, and after that a weak solution of the ex¬ 
tract of lead be applied, and a dose or two of physic be given, this 
will speedily disappear. 
If the animal, however, be neglected, the pain will evidently 
increase ; the ear will become of an intenser red, the folds of the 
integument will enlarge, and there will be a deposition of red or 
black matter in the hollow of the ear. The mucous membrane 
lining the meatus is now pouring out a small portion of bloody 
fluid with its natural secretion, and as the aqueous part of the 
fluid evaporates, the colouring matter of the blood remains. 
The case is now more serious, yet not presenting much difficulty 
of treatment. This deposit must be carefully washed away with 
warm soap and water, and the extract of lead, in the proportion of 
a scruple to an ounce of water, be frequently applied, until the 
redness and heat are abated. A solution of alum, in about the 
same proportion, should then follow. Some attention should be 
paid to the method of applying these solutions Two persons are 
necessary to apply them with effect: one of them should hold the 
muzzle of the dog in one hand, having the root of the ear in the 
hollow of the other hand, and between the first finger and thumb ; 
the assistant will now pour the liquid into the ear (half a tea¬ 
spoonful will usually be sufficient); the first person, without 
quitting the muzzle of the dog, will then close the ear, and 
gently mould it until the liquid has insinuated itself, as deeply as 
possible, into the passage of the ear. 
Should not the inflammation abate in the course of a few 
days, a seton should be inserted in the poll, between the integu¬ 
ment and the muscles of the occiput, and reaching from ear to 
ear. The excitement of a new inflammation so near to the part 
previously diseased, will very materially abate the original 
affection. 
Physic will now be indispensible. From one to three grains of 
calomel may be given daily, with an equal quantity of anti- 
monial powder; or from half a drachm to two drachms of aloes, 
with from one to three grains of calomel, eveiy third day. 
Should the complaint have been altogether neglected, or the 
inflammation so great as to bid defiance to these means, ulceration 
VOL. III. u u 
