CANINE INFLAMMATORY MASTOID DISEASE. 
401 
preparation of iron that is most desirable is found in the hydrated 
succinate of the per oxide , as made by Stewart of Baltimore, as it 
:s free from those disagreeables that usually pertain to ferric prepa¬ 
rations, is tasteless, and, above all, easily soluble, and a 
hepatic stimulant as well as a general tonic. 
When there is no discharge from the tympanum, and examina¬ 
tion by .means of reflected light (mirror and speculum) reveals a 
I tense, bulging, drum membrane, the operation of paracentisis tym- 
vani should be performed without delay, immediately followed 
t>y the hot water douche. This not only relieves the inflamed cavity 
d: its imprisoned fluids, but contributes not a little to the comfort 
d the animal. Neither is it a serious or difficult operation to one 
familiar with the anatomy of the parts, and Wilde’s dart-like knife, 
with its bent or angular handle (made for this purpose), removes 
die only serious difficulty; it should be sharpened anew, however, 
:or each operation. The objection that will sometimes be raised, 
;hat a drum membrane once perforated is ever after rendered 
mfit for its office, is utterly untenable, as well as that other bug- 
jear, that it induces permanent dysecce. The membrana tympani 
s frequently perforated and restored in man without the knowledge 
)f the individual, and a permanent opening therein, unless with 
^reat loss of substance, does not necessarily result in loss of liear- 
ng. Certainly as much can be expected of the animal! 
When the drum membrane gives promise of neither pus or mu¬ 
cous within the aural cavity, and paracentisis and other operative 
irocedures are futile, a blister over the tender and painful por¬ 
tion of the mastoid will probably be of service, or in lieu of blis¬ 
ters, cupping and scarification may be tried. Oleate of mercury with 
deate aconitia or veratria , equal parts, frequently answers every 
purpose of cantharidal collodion if persistently persevered in and 
veil rubbed into the part; but Squibb’s oleates alone have proved 
satisfactory in my hands, from the fact that others are not to be 
lepended upon, owing to uncertain and varying strength. 
When all else fails, resort must be had to the knife, making a 
ree incision down to the bone, dividing its periosteal covering, 
j selecting for the site of the operation the face of the mastoid 
)roniontory nearest the auricle. If pus yet fails to exhibit itself, 
