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.