402 
a. ARCHIE STOCKWELL. 
extend the opening through the outer plate of the mastoid, when 
compensatory results are almost certain to be obtained; even if 
pus does not appear, the operation will be followed by decided 
improvement. Of course any carious or necrosed bone should at 
once be removed, and as thoroughly as possible, and in all cases 
the wound must be kept open until pus ceases to flow or until all 
evidences of inflammation and disease have subsided. 
A cartilage knife answers all purposes in making an incision 
through the bone, though a small chisel or gouge, if well kept 
under control, is equally satisfactory. The operation is not one 
of great moment, and an anaesthetic is not always necessary if the 
operator be at all skillful. For brief operations upon the dog a 
drachm of ethyl bromide answers every purpose and possesses the 
advantage of quick administration and recovery. 
Regarding the excoriations of the external ear—the so-called 
“ external canker,”—let me say such are commonly amenable to 
thorough and persistent cleanliness, time, and mild dressings. 
Their supposed malignant character is due to accumulations of 
foul material derived from the meatus, adhering to the hair, and 
setting up an irritation that becomes move virulent if the cause is 
not removed; moreover, the sluggish nourishment afforded the 
auricle is inimical to rapid repair. The ear may be confined for 
convenience and safety, but antiseptic cotton or oakum should 
be placed between the auricle and meatus to intercept the dis¬ 
charges. 
A word regarding dietary. The popular works upon the dog 
are accustomed to deny animal foods in diseased conditions. A 
moment’s consideration of the physiology of the alimentary appa¬ 
ratus is convincing that the creature is illy fitted for digesting 
easily or readily any other ; to administer such other nourishment 
is to give a stone in lieu of bread: the same mav be said also of 
' •/ 
so-called beef teas. Strong meat-broths should be the rule first, 
last, and always. In lieu of proper food supply being received, 
carbo-hydrates must be added, and even' malt serves some pur¬ 
pose, though it does not have the same value as when adminis¬ 
tered to man. Oleum morvhucE is excellent, though frequently 
but illy borne. There is nothing magical about cod-liyer oil, it is 
