Diseases of the Ear
Dropsy of the Ear-flap—Otitis or Inflammation of the Ear—Otorrhœa or Canker—Split Margin—Eczema of Ears—Deafness—Morbid Growths in Passage—Concretions—Syringing Ears.
DROPSY OF THE EAR-FLAP
Long-eared dogs—more especially Spaniels and Retrievers—are very liable to suffer from this complaint. In some instances the causes are, probably, of a constitutional nature, but as a rule it is the result of a bruise.
The bruise gives rise to the production of an inflammatory effusion between the skin and cartilage of the external ear, causing a baggy-like swelling, compressible with the finger, and alterable in shape when the external ear is manipulated.
The old, and by far the most satisfactory way of dealing with this serous (watery) abscess is to make a free cut into it. Introduce the finger into the wound and break down adhesions; then wash out with a little iodine and water. Keep wound open for a few days. This will always effect a cure.
OTITIS OR INFLAMMATION OF EAR
The passage of the ear is reddened and causes the dog to rub his sore ear, or even cry from the pain. Very frequently this condition is accompanied by a fetid discharge; if so, it is spoken of as internal canker of ear. A little cooling lotion, such as a couple of teaspoonfuls of Goulard, in eight ounces of water, applied night and morning, will usually suffice to cure this complaint. At same time give a dose of purgative medicine.
OTORRHŒA OR CANKER OF EAR
This is an exceedingly common disease of dogs, and when it has been allowed to run on unchecked becomes very intractable.
When the internal ear is in a diseased condition, i.e., disease of the bones, etc., the malady is incurable.
In the majority of instances the middle ear alone is the seat of inflammatory action and suppuration, and usually curable.
One form of ear canker is produced by parasites (Symbiotes auricularis canis) invading the passage.
The ordinary form of canker is the result of some slight abrasion of the middle ear, and subsequent infection of the wound by germs.
The secretion of the ear and constitutional predisposition towards eczema have no doubt an influence in determining the onset of canker, of a non-parasitic nature.
The entrance of water and other foreign materials is thought to be equally productive of this disease, but, as already stated, in all probability it is necessary to have some slight excoriation of the lining membrane.
Turning the head to one side—when one ear is affected, though frequently both are diseased—pain when the ear is manipulated, revealing, on close inspection of the passage, increased redness, with a sooty-like deposit (dry form), or moisture (moist form), passing into various stages of suppuration, are the usual signs of this disease.
Frequently the pus is mingled with blood, the latter either coming from the tender abraded lining of the middle ear, or, may be, from disease of the bones.
Careful inspection will generally settle the matter. The duration of the malady is of importance when forming an opinion.
In bad cases the discharge drops from the ears, emitting a most offensive odour.
Treatment.—Cleanse ears thoroughly with warm water and a little spirit of wine.
Syringe out daily.
Pour in some of the following lotion night and morning.
| ℞ | Glycerine | 2 ounces |
| Laudanum | ½ ounce | |
| Lead acetate | ½ drachm | |
| Water added | 8 ounces |
Mix. Warm before use.
Milder cases can be cured by dusting boracic acid powder into ear night and morning, and for parasitic canker, use in the same way a little white precipitate (ammoniated chloride of mercury).
Give a dose of purgative medicine, such as Epsom salts, and then follow up with a course of alterative medicine. (See Recipes).
SPLIT MARGIN
Injuries of the flap of the ear are often very troublesome to treat successfully. On this account such sores are spoken of as external canker, in contradistinction to the disease previously discussed.
When the ear has been torn, it is necessary to have professional aid to make a satisfactory job of it.
An effort must be made to get the edges of the torn surfaces to heal by what is called first intention.
ECZEMA OF THE EARS
The margins of the flaps of the ears are commonly the seat of a dry eczematous eruption. They become scaly, thickened, and hairless.
Many dogs have their ears in this condition for years; nevertheless, it is very unsightly, and the longer it exists the more the trouble of eradicating it.
Apply with friction an ointment, composed as follows, night and morning.
| ℞ | Oil of tar | 2 drachms |
| Glycerine | 2 drachms | |
| Powdered sulphur | ½ ounce | |
| Creosote | 1 drachm | |
| Lard added | 4 ounces |
Mix and rub well in all around the margins, for twenty minutes each time.
In addition to this, give a 5-grain blue pill, feed on meat and bread, giving less dog-biscuit, if this has been the principal food. A course of alterative medicine will be required.
DEAFNESS
Deafness may be "complete" or only "partial," and confined to one, or affecting both ears.
In some dogs it is congenital, i.e., present from birth; in others acquired.
Severe canker will cause deafness, so will a blow over the ear.
Morbid growths in the passage, and accumulation of waxy material, etc., will likewise produce "partial" or "complete" loss of hearing.
Treatment must be directed to the removal—whenever possible—of the cause.
MORBID GROWTHS IN THE EAR-PASSAGE
Occasionally the middle ear is the seat of various morbid growths, either of a wart-like character, or as small-stalked tumours, causing complete or partial deafness, in accordance with the occluding area involved.
Surgical treatment is necessary, excepting in the case of a single-stalked growth (polypus), around which a thin piece of twine or wire can be fixed. It will then slough off.
Concretions.—These are chiefly accumulations of wax within the ear, and should be removed first by softening with a little warm almond oil and then syringing with weak spirit and tepid water.
Syringing Ears.—Special glass, vulcanite and rubber syringes are sold for this purpose. Before injecting the fluid, warm it.
The stream of liquid should be forced well into the ear.
For cleansing the ears, add a dessertspoonful of spirit of wine to a teacupful of rose-water, warmed before use.
This liquid can be syringed into the depths of the passage once a day.
The dog should have a tape muzzle put on, and then held by an assistant.