CHAPTER IV.
ABSCESSES OF THE EAR.
(Haematoma)
Cause.—Irritations or injuries to the ear. Washing dogs with irritating soap and not properly drying them causes dogs to have an itchy sensation which they constantly aggravate by scratching the ear with the paw and shaking the head and flopping the ears violently, resulting in this disease.
Symptoms.—The dog will be noticed carrying the head to one side and shaking it frequently in a violent manner. It will also scratch the ear with the paw involuntarily. When the inner surface of the ear is carefully examined it will be found extremely swollen and have an abnormal appearance, will be stiff and extend out from the head. Great heat and pain will be evinced when pressure is applied. The puffy swelling inside the ear will contain a serous fluid which is very offensive in odor.
Treatment.—With a clean, sharp knife open the abscess and allow the bloody fluid to escape. Then dress the wound twice a day with clean cotton and a solution made from Tincture of Iodine, one dram, to one-half ounce of water. To prevent the dog from scratching and flopping the ears, which would cause further irritation, bind the ears to the head by means of a bandage or hood. Feed clean, wholesome, laxative food and compel him to exercise, as good physical condition and clean surroundings assist materially in healing wounds of the flesh.
APOPLEXY
(Congestion of the Brain)
Cause.—Congestion or rupture of the blood vessels of the brain, which causes a sudden arrest of sense and motion, the dog lying as if in a deep sleep. It seldom attacks young, but occurs frequently in fat dogs, especially if aged and not accustomed to exercise.
Symptoms.—They are very hard to detect, as the dog generally becomes unconscious before any violent symptoms are noticed, but there is generally unsteadiness in the walk, dizziness, deafness, blindness, constipation, etc., preceding an attack, but only a careful observer will notice them.
Treatment.—As this is a very dangerous disease, no time should be lost. The first thing is to relieve the head from the accumulation of blood to prevent further congestion and avoid inflammatory action. To accomplish this place the head well up and apply cold to the head by means of pounded ice in a cloth bag. Loosen the collar around the neck and apply hot packs to the feet to induce the flow of blood to the lower extremities. Also give a physic consisting of one to two grains of Calomel. After the dog recovers from the fit great care will be required to prevent a second attack. The diet should be light and nutritious. Always avoid feeding too large a quantity at one time, to prevent overloading of the stomach. Also avoid excitement or excessive exercise on a hot day. A cathartic as Calomel should be administered when a dog shows any signs of constipation.