THE EAR AND ITS DISEASES.
'Canker in the Ear.'
All water-dogs, and some others, are subject to a disease designated by
this name, and which, in fact, is inflammation of the integumental
lining of the inside of the ear. When the whole of the body, except the
head and ears, is surrounded by cold water, there will be an unusual
determination of blood to those parts, and consequent distension of the
vessels and a predisposition to inflammation. A Newfoundland dog, or
setter, or poodle, that has been subject to canker, is often freed from
a return of the disease by being kept from the water.
The earliest symptom of the approach of canker is frequent shaking of
the head, or holding of the head on one side, or violent scratching of
one or both ears. Redness of the integument may then be observed, and
particularly of that portion of it which lines the annular cartilage.
This is usually accompanied by some enlargement of the folds of the
skin. As soon as any of these symptoms are observed, the ear should be
gently but well washed, two or three times in the day, with lukewarm
water, and after that a weak solution of the extract of lead should be
applied, and a dose or two of physic administered.
If the case is neglected, the pain will rapidly increase; the ear will
become of an intenser red; the folds of the integument will enlarge, and
there will be a deposition of red or black matter in the hollow of the
ear. The case is now more serious, and should be immediately attended
to. This black or bloody deposit should be gently but carefully washed
away with warm water and soap; and the extract of lead, in the
proportion of a scruple to an ounce of water, should be frequently
applied, until the redness and heat are abated. A solution of alum, in
about the same quantity of alum and water as the foregoing lotion,
should then be used.
Some attention should be paid to the method of applying these lotions.
Two persons will be required in order to accomplish the operation. The
surgeon must hold the muzzle of the dog with one hand, and have the root
of the ear in the hollow of the other, and between the first finger and
the thumb. The assistant must then pour the liquid into the ear; half a
tea-spoonful will usually be sufficient. The surgeon, without quitting
the dog, will then close the ear, and mould it gently until the liquid
has insinuated itself as deeply as possible into the passages of the
ear. Should not the inflammation abate in the course of a few days, a
seton should be inserted in the poll, between the integument and the
muscles of the occiput, reaching from ear to ear. The excitement of a
new inflammation, so near to the part previously diseased, will
materially abate the original affection. Physic is now indispensable.
From half a drachm to a drachm of aloes, with from one to two grains of
calomel, should be given every third day.
Should the complaint have been much neglected, or the inflammation so
great as to bid defiance to these means, ulceration will too often
speedily follow. It will be found lodged deep in the passage, and can
only be detected by moulding the ear; the effused pus will occasionally
occupy the inside of the ear to its very tip. However extensive and
annoying the inflammation may be, and occasionally causing so much
thickening of the integument as perfectly to close the ear, it is always
superficial. It will generally yield to proper treatment, and the
cartilage of the ear may not be in the slightest degree affected. Still,
however, the animal may suffer extreme pain; the discharge from the
ulcer may produce extensive excoriation of the cheek; and, in a few
cases, the system may sympathise with the excessive local application,
and the animal may be lost.
The treatment must vary with circumstances. If the ulceration is deep in
the ear, and there is not a very great degree of apparent inflammation,
recourse may be had at once to a stimulating and astringent application,
such as alum or the sulphate of zinc, and in the proportion of six
grains of either to an ounce of water. If, however, the ulceration
occupies the greater part of the hollow of the ear, and is accompanied
by much thickening of the integument, and apparent filling up of the
entrance to the ear, some portion of the inflammation must be first
subdued.
The only chance of getting rid of the disease is to confine the ear. A
piece of strong calico must be procured, six or eight inches in width,
and sufficiently long to reach round the head and meet under the jaw.
Along each side of it must be a running piece of tape, and a shorter
piece sewed at the centre of each of the ends. By means of these the cap
may be drawn tightly over the head, above the eyes, and likewise round
the neck behind the ears, so as perfectly to confine them.
After all, no mild ointment will dispose such an ulcer to heal, and
recourse must be had at once to a caustic application. A scruple of the
nitrate of silver must be rubbed down with an ounce of lard, and a
little of it applied twice every day, and rubbed tolerably hard into the
sore until it assumes a healthy appearance; it may then be dressed with
the common calamine ointment.
If the discharge should return, the practitioner must again have
recourse to the caustic ointment.
The cartilage will never close, but the integument will gradually cover
the exposed edges, and the wound will be healed. The ear will, however,
long continue tender, and, if it should be much beaten, by the shaking
of the head, the ulcer will reappear. This must be obviated by
occasionally confining the ears, and not overfeeding the dog.
Some sportsmen are accustomed to 'round' the ears, that is to cut off
the diseased part. In very few instances, however, will a permanent cure
be effected, while the dog is often sadly disfigured. A fresh ulcer
frequently appears on the new edge, and is more difficult to heal than
the original one. Nine times out of ten the disease reappears.
The Newfoundland dog is very subject to this disease, to remedy which
recourse must be had to the nitrate of silver.
Spaniels have often a mangy inflammation of the edges of the ear. It
seldom runs on to canker; but the hair comes off round the edges of the
ear, accompanied by much heat and scurfiness of the skin. The common
sulphur ointment, with an eighth part of mercurial ointment, will
usually remove the disease.
From the irritation produced by canker in or on the ear, and the
constant flapping and beating of the ear, there is sometimes a
considerable effusion of fluid between the integument and the cartilage
occupying the whole of the inside of the flap of the ear. The only
remedy is to open the enlarged part from end to end, carefully to take
out the gossamer lining of the cyst, and then to insert some bits of
lint on each side of the incision, in order to prevent its closing too
soon. In a few days, the parietes of the cyst will begin to adhere, and
a perfect cure will be accomplished
If the tumour is simply punctured, the incision will speedily close, and
the cyst will fill again in the space of four-and-twenty hours. A seton
may be used, but it is more painful to the dog, and slower in its
operation.
The ear should be frequently fomented with a decoction of white poppies,
and to this should follow the Goulard lotion; and, after that, if
necessary, a solution of alum should be applied. To the soreness or
scabby eruption, which extends higher up the ear, olive oil or
spermaceti ointment may be applied. In some cases, portions of the
thickened skin, projecting and excoriated, and pressing on each other,
unite, and the opening into the ear is then mechanically filled. I know
not of any remedy for this. It is useless to perforate the adventitious
substance, for the orifice will soon close; and, more than once, when I
have made a crucial incision, and cut out the unnatural mass that closed
the passage, I have found it impossible to keep down the fungous
granulations or to prevent total deafness.
The following is a singular case of this disease:--1st July, 1820 a dog
was sent with a tumour, evidently containing a fluid, in the flap of the
ear. A seton had been introduced, but had been sadly neglected. The hair
had become matted round the seton, and the discharge had thus been
stopped. Inflammation and considerable pain had evidently followed, and
the dog had nearly torn the seton out. I removed it, washed the ear
well, and applied the tincture of myrrh and aloes. The wound soon
healed. On the 14th the ear began again to fill. On the 17th the tumour
was ripe for the seton, which was again introduced, and worn until the
9th of August, when the sides of the abscess appeared again to have
adhered, and it was withdrawn. Canker had continued in the ear during
the whole time; and, in defiance of a cold lotion daily applied, the ear
was perceived again to be disposed to fill. The seton was once more
inserted, and the cyst apparently closed. The seton was continued a
fortnight after the sinus was obliterated, and then removed. Six weeks
afterwards the swelling had disappeared, and the canker was quite
removed. This anecdote is an encouragement to persevere under the most
disheartening circumstances.
All dogs that are foolishly suffered to become gross and fat are subject
to canker. It seems to be a natural outlet for excess of nutriment or
gross humour; and, when a dog has once laboured under the disease, he is
very subject to a return of it. The fatal power of habit is in few cases
more evident than in this disease. When a dog has symptoms of mange, the
redness or eruption of the skin, generally, will not unfrequently
disappear, and bad canker speedily follow. The habit, however, may be
subdued, or at least may be kept at bay, by physic and the use of
Goulard lotion or alum.
Sportsmen are often annoyed by another species of canker Pointers and
hounds are particularly subject to it.
This species of canker commences with a scurfy eruption and thickening
of the edges of the ear, apparently attended by considerable itching or
pain. The dog is continually flapping his ear, and beating it violently
against his head. The inflammation is thus increased, and the tip of the
ear becomes exceedingly sore. This causes him to shake his head still
more violently, and the ulcer spreads and is indisposed to heal, and at
length a fissure or crack appears on the tip of the cartilage, and
extends to a greater or less distance down the ear.
The narration of one or two cases may be useful, as showing the
inveteracy of the disease.
8th Feb. 1832.--A Newfoundland dog, very fat, had dreadful canker in
both ears, and considerable discharge of purulent matter. He was
continually shaking his ears, lying and moaning. Apply the canker
lotion, and give the alterative balls.
13th. The discharge considerably lessened from one ear, but that from
the other has increased. Continue the lotion and apply a seton.
22d. The dog, probably neglected at home, was sent to me. Both ears
were as bad as ever.
25th. The dog is perfectly unmanageable when the lotion is poured into
the ear, but submits when an ointment is applied. Use ung. sambuci,
[Symbol: ounce] j. cerus, acet. [Symbol: ounce] j., mix well together.
Continue the alteratives.
30th. Slowly amending; the whining has ceased, and the animal seldom
scratches. Continue the lotion, alteratives, and purgatives.
10th Oct.--Slowly improving. Continue the treatment.
17th. One ear well, the other nearly so.
24th. Both ears were apparently well. Omit the lotion.
28th. One ear was again ulcerated. Applied the aerugo aeris.
31st. This has been too stimulating, and the ulceration is almost as
great as at first. Return to the ung. sambuci and cerusa acetata.
From this time to the 24th February, 1833, we continued occasionally
taking out the seton, but returning to it every two or three days;
applying the canker lotion until we were driven from it, mixing with it
variable quantities of tinctura opii, having recourse to mercurial
ointment, and trying a solution of the sulphate of copper. With two or
three applications we could keep the disease at bay; but with none could
we fairly remove the evil. The sulphate of zinc, the acetate of lead,
decoctions of oak bark, a very mild injection of the nitrate of
silver,--all would do good at times; but at other times we were set at
complete defiance.
Another gentleman brought his dog about the same time. This was also a
Newfoundland dog. He had always been subject to mangy eruptions, and had
now mange in the feet, the inside of the ear covered with scaly
eruptions, the skin red underneath, considerable thickening of the ear,
and a slight discharge from its base. A seton was inserted and a
physic-ball given every second day. The canker lotion had little good
effect. Some calamine ointment, with a small portion of calomel, was
then had recourse to.
In ten days the dog had ceased to scratch himself or shake his head, and
the ear was clean and cool. The seton was removed; but the animal being
confined, a little redness again appeared in the ear, which the lotion
soon removed.
At the expiration of a month he was dismissed apparently cured; but he
afterwards had a return of his old mangy complaints, which bade defiance
to every mode of treatment.
Herr Maassen, V. S., Wümemburg, has lately introduced, and with much
success, the use of creosote for the cure of canker in the ear.
The first experiment was on a setter with canker in his ear. The owner
of the dog had ordered it to be hanged, as all remedies had failed in
producing a cure. Herr Maassen prescribed creosoti 3ss. et spirit, vini
rectificat. 3ij. This mixture was applied once in every day to the
diseased part. In a few weeks the dog was completely cured, and has
since had no return of the complaint. In a terrier, and also in three
spaniels, the effect of this application was equally satisfactory. In
some cases, where the disease showed itself in a less degree, the
creosote was dissolved in water, instead of spirit of wine. It is always
necessary to take away the collar while the dog is under treatment, in
order that the flap of the ear may not be injured by striking against it.
VEGETATING EXCRESCENCES IN THE EAR. (By F. J. J. Rigot.)
Productions of this kind, which he had the opportunity of observing only
once, are sometimes united in masses, and completely close the auditive
canal. The surface is granulated and black, and there escapes from it an
unctuous fetid discharge. On both sides the animal is exceedingly
susceptible of pain, and the excrescences bleed if the slightest
pressure is brought to bear upon them.
He thought it right to cut away these excrescences bodily, which he
found to be composed of a strong dense tissue, permitting much blood to
escape through an innumerable quantity of vascular openings. They were
reproduced with extreme promptitude after they had been cut off or
cauterized. Some of them appeared no more after being destroyed by the
nitrate of mercury.
Sometimes, however, twenty-four hours after a simple incision, not
followed by cauterization, these productions acquire an almost
incredible size. It seemed, in M. Rigot's case, to be impossible to
conquer the evil, and the patient was destroyed.
ERUPTIONS IN THE EAR.
A Newfoundland dog had long been subject to mangy eruptions on the back
and in the feet. They had suddenly disappeared, and the whole of the
inside of the ear became covered with scaly eruptions. The skin was red;
there was considerable thickening of the ear, and a discharge from the
base of it. The canker-lotion was used, a physic-ball given every second
day, and a seton inserted in the poll reaching from ear to ear. No
apparent benefit resulted. A little calamine ointment, to which was
added one-eighth part of mercurial ointment, was then tried, and
considerable benefit immediately experienced. The dog no longer
continued to scratch himself or to shake his head, and the ear became
clean and cool. The seton was removed, and nothing remained but a little
occasional redness, which the lotion very soon dispersed.
The owner, however, became ultimately tired of all this doctoring, and
the animal was destroyed.
A poodle had had exceedingly bad ears during several months. There was
considerable discharge, apparently giving much pain. The dog was
continually shaking his head and crying. A seton was introduced, the
canker-lotion was resorted to, and alterative and purgative medicines
exhibited. On the 29th of December the discharge from the ear ceased;
but, owing to the neglect of the servant, it soon broke out again, and
there was not only much excoriation under the ear, but, from the matting
of the hair, deep ulcers formed on either side, the edges of the wound
were ragged, and the skin was detached from the muscular parts beneath.
Probes were introduced on each side, which passed down the neck and
nearly met. The smell was intolerably offensive, and the dog was reduced
almost to a skeleton. I was, for the second time, sent for to see the
case. I immediately recommended that the animal should be destroyed; but
this was not permitted. I then ordered that it should daily be carefully
washed, and diluted tincture of myrrh be applied to the wounds. They
showed no disposition to heal, and the dog gradually sunk under the
continued discharge and died.
VIOLENT AFFECTION OF THE EAR.
20th May, 1928.--A spaniel screamed violently, even when it was not
touched, and held its head permanently on one side, as if the muscles
were contracted. The glands beneath the ear were enlarged, but the
bowels were regular; the nose was not hot; there was no cough. A warm
bath was ordered, with aperient medicine.
On the 22d she was no better. I examined the case more carefully. The
left ear was exceedingly hot and tender: she would scarcely bear me to
touch it. I continued the aperient medicine, and ordered a warm lotion
to be applied, consisting of the liquor plumbi acetatis and infusion of
digitalis. She improved from the first application of it, and in a few
days was quite well. A fortnight afterwards the pain returned. The
lotion was employed, but not with the same success. A seton was then
applied. She wore it only four days, when the pain completely
disappeared.
I have an account in my records of the conduct of a coward, who, coming
from such a breed, was not worthy of the trouble we took with him. He
was a Newfoundland dog, two years old, with considerable enlargement,
redness, and some discharge from both ears. He was sent to our hospital
for treatment. When no one was near him, he shook his head and scratched
his ears, and howled dreadfully. Many times in the course of the day he
cried as if we were murdering him. We sent him home thoroughly well, and
glad we were to get rid of him.
CROPPING OF THE EARS.
I had some doubt, whether I ought not to omit the mention of this cruel
practice. Mr. Blaine very properly says, that
"it is one that does not honour the inventor, for nature gives nothing
in vain. Beauty and utility appear in all when properly examined, but
in unequal degrees. In some, beauty is pre-eminent; while, in others,
utility appears to have been the principal consideration. That must,
therefore, be a false taste, that has taught us to prefer a
'curtailed' organ to a perfect one, without gaining any convenience by
the operation." He adds, and it is my only excuse saying one word
about the matter, that "custom being now fixed, directions are proper
for its performance."
The owner of the dog commences with maiming him while a puppy. He finds
fault with the ears that nature has given him, and they are rounded or
cut into various shapes, according to his whim or caprice. It is a cruel
operation. A great deal of pain is inflicted by it, and it is often a
long time before the edge of the wound will heal: a fortnight or three
weeks at least will elapse ere the animal is free from pain.
It has been pleaded, and I would be one of the last to oppose the plea,
that the ears of many dogs are rounded on account of the ulcers which
attack and rend the conch; because animals with short ears defend
themselves most readily from the attacks of others: because, in their
combats with each other, they generally endeavour to lay hold of the
neck or the ears; and, therefore, when their ears are shortened, they
have considerable advantage over their adversary. There is some truth in
this plea; but, otherwise, the operation of cropping is dependent on
caprice or fashion.
If the ears of dogs must be cropped, it should not be done too early.
Four, five, or six weeks should first pass; otherwise, they will grow
again, and the second cropping will not produce a good appearance. The
scissors are the proper instruments for accomplishing the removal of the
ear; the tearing of the cartilages out by main force is an act of
cruelty that none but a brute in human shape would practise; and, if he
attempts it, it is ten to one that he does not obtain a good crop. If
the conch is torn out, there is nothing remaining to retain the skin
round the auricular opening: it may be torn within the auditory canal,
and as that is otherwise very extensible in the dog, it is prolonged
above the opening, which may then probably be closed by a cicatrix. The
animal will in this case always remain deaf, at least in one ear. In the
mean time, the mucous membrane that lines the 'meatus auditorias'
subsists, the secretion of the wax continues; it accumulates and
acquires an irritating quality; the irritation which it causes produces
an augmentation of the secretion, and soon the whole of the subcutaneous
passage becomes filled, and seems to assume the form of a cord; and it
finishes by the dog continuing to worry himself, shaking his head, and
becoming subject to fits.
Mr. Blaine very naturally observes, that, "it is not a little surprising
that this cruel custom is so frequently, or almost invariably, practised
on pug-dogs, whose ears, if left alone to nature, are particularly
handsome and hang very gracefully. It is hardly to be conceived how the
pug's head--which is not naturally beautiful except in the eye of
perverted taste--is improved by suffering his ears to remain."
If the cropping is to be practised, the mother should have been
previously removed. It is quite erroneous, that her licking the wounded
edges will be serviceable. On the contrary, it only increases their
pain, and deprives the young ones of the best balsam that can be
applied--the blood that flows from their wounds.
POLYPI IN THE EARS.
Dr. Mercer, in The Veterinarian, of July, 1844, gives an interesting
account of the production of polypi in the meatus of the ear. He
considers that there are two kinds of polypi--first, the soft, vascular
and bleeding polypus, usually produced from the fibro-cartilaginous
structure of the outer half of the tube; and, secondly, the hard and
cartilaginous polypus or excrescence produced from the lining membrane
of its inner half. The first is termed the hæmatoid polypus, and the
other the chondromatous. The dog suffering under either generally has a
dull, heavy, and rather watery eye. He moans or whines at intervals. If
his master is present he feels a relief in pressing and rubbing his
aching ear against him. At other times he presses and rubs his ear
against the ground, in order to obtain a slight relief, flapping his
ears and shaking his head; the mouth being opened and the tongue
protruded, and the affected ear pointing to the ground. Then comes a
sudden, and often a profuse, discharge of fetid pus. The local discharge
of pus and blood becomes daily more and more fetid, and the poor animal
becomes an object of disgust.
In the first variety of polypus, where it is practicable, the soft and
vascular excrescence should be excised with a pair of scissors or a
small knife, or it may be noosed by a ligature of silk or of silver
wire, or twisted off with a pair of forceps. Immediately after its
removal, the base of the tumour should be carefully destroyed by the
nitrate of silver, and this should be repeated as long as there is any
appearance of renewed growth. Any ulcer or carious condition of the
meatus should be immediately removed.
In order to protect the diseased parts, a soft cap should be used, and
within the ear a little cotton wadding may defend the ear from injury.
Dr. Mercer very properly remarks that, in the second or chondromatous
variety of polypus of the meatus, the treatment must depend upon the
concomitant circumstances. If the tumour is seated close to the membrana
tympani, and has a broad and sessile base, then it cannot be excised or
noosed with any degree of success. It must therefore be treated by the
daily application of the solid nitrate of silver, applied exactly to its
surface; and, in the intervals of application, the use of any collyria
may be had recourse to. If the substance of the growth be firm and
solid, and possess little sensibility, then a very speedy mode of
getting rid of it is to divide its substance with a small knife; and
afterwards, by applying the solid nitrate of silver, the tumour will
soon be sloughed away.
The dog is liable to polypi in the nasal cavity, in the anus, and in the
vagina, which it will not be out of place to mention here.
The polypi of the nasal and of the anal cavities often show themselves
under the form of rounded bodies, projecting from the nose or anus.
Their size and consistence are variable--sometimes soft, tearing with
the greatest facility, and bleeding at the slightest touch; at other
times, solid and covered with pituitary membrane. They are generally the
result of ulcerations, wounds, fractures, perforations of the turbinated
bones, sinuses,&c. These polypous productions obstruct the passage of
the air, and more or less impede the breathing. They are best extirpated
by means of a ligature, or circular compression, on the pedicle of the
polypus, and tightened every second day.
We may discover the presence of a tumour of this nature in one of the
nasal passages, when, on putting our hand to the orifice of the nostril,
there issues little or no air; or when we sound the nostril with the
finger or a probe, or examine it on a bright day.
The methods of destroying polypi in the nasal cavity vary with the
texture, size, form, and position of these excrescences. Excision with
the bistoury, or with scissors, may be tried when the polypus is near
the orifice of the nostril, and particularly when it is not large at the
base. Excision should be followed by cauterization with the red-hot
iron, by which a portion of the base of the tumour is destroyed, and
which could not be reached by a sharp instrument. To succeed in these
operations, it is frequently necessary to cut through the false nostril.
The edges of the wound may afterwards be united by a suture.
The ligature, or circular compression, excised immediately on the
pedicle of the polypus, by means of a wire or waxed string, and directed
into the nasal cavity by means of a proper instrument, may he tried when
the polypus is deeply situated, and particularly when its base is
narrow. But, for this operation, which is difficult to perform, and
which may be followed by a new polypous production, when the base is not
perfectly destroyed, we may substitute the forcible detachment,
especially when we have to act on vascular and soft excrescences.
The Italian greyhound is strangely subject to these polypi in the matrix
or vagina. The reason for it is difficult to explain.
A bitch, ten years old, was brought to the author on the 20th December,
1843, with an oval substance, as large as a thrush's egg, occasionally
protruding from the vagina. I advised that it should be removed by means
of a ligature; but the owner was afraid, and a fortnight was suffered to
pass before she was brought again. The tumour had rapidly increased; it
was as large as a pigeon's egg, considerably excoriated, and the pedicle
being almost as large as the tumour itself. The operation was now
consented to. I passed a ligature as firmly round the pedicle and as
high up as I could. The bitch scarcely seemed to suffer any pain.
3d Jan.--The circulation is evidently cut off, and the tumour is
assuming a thoroughly black hue, but it appears to cause no
inconvenience to the dog. I tightened the ligature. 4th. The tumour is
now completely black, considerably protruded, and apparently destitute
of feeling. I again tightened the ligature.
5th. The tumour not appearing disposed to separate, and the uterus
seeming to be drawn back by its weight, I cut off the tumour close to
the ligature. Not the slightest pain seemed to be given, and the tumour
was hard and black. There was, however, a very little oozing of bloody
fluid, which continuing to the 8th, I injected a slight solution of alum
into the vagina, and three days afterwards the discharge was perfectly
stopped.
[Although our author has given us several interesting and practical
pages upon the diseases of the ear and its appendages, it seems to us
that the arrangement of the matter is rather objectionable, and not
sufficiently explicit to be easily comprehended by sportsmen, not before
familiar with the subject; we therefore add a concise resumé or epitome
of these troublesome affections, which we trust will be found of
practical utility to the reader.
SIMPLE OTORRHÆA,
or running from the ear, produced by inflammation of the mucous membrane
of the external auditory canal, is of frequent occurrence. The dog
should be purged with salts, and the ear washed with castile soap and
tepid water. The following solution may be introduced several times a
day:
[Symbol: Rx] Sulphate of zinc [Symbol: scruple] i.
Water [Symbol: ounce] i.
Mix. or,
[Symbol: Rx] Sugar of lead [Symbol: scruple] i.
Water [Symbol: ounce] i.
If the discharge be fetid, the following may be applied often:
[Symbol: Rx] Chloride of lime [Symbol: drachm] i.
Water 1 pint.
This affection in old dogs is very troublesome, and in most cases
impossible to cure. Alum, zinc, copper, lead, and other astringent
applications may be used in powder, as a local application in these
cases. A seton and blisters will also be serviceable.
TUMORS OF THE FLAP.
A tumour, particularly in old dogs, is often seen extending from the tip
of the flap even to the base of the ear. It progresses slowly but
surely, if not interfered with in its career, and will become eventually
enormously large and very painful. These tumours are most common in old
setters, Newfoundlands, and hounds.
Treatment'.--The tumour, at its commencement, may be discussed by the
application of astringent washes, as warm vinegar, water, and laudanum,
or sugar of lead. When, however, it has become more extensive, the only
remedy is opening it through its whole extent, and pressing out its
purulent content. A poultice may then be applied, and tepid fomentations
used for several days. It is often extremely difficult to heal up the
abscess, or arrest the fetid discharge that is constantly collecting: a
seton placed in the poll, in connexion with washes of a stimulating
character, will, however, effect a cure, if patiently persevered in.
Either of the following will answer this purpose:
[Symbol: Rx] Chloride of lime [Symbol: drachm] i.
Water [Symbol: ounce] vi.
Mix. or,
[Symbol: Rx] Sulphate of zinc [Symbol: scruple] i.
Water [Symbol: ounce] jii.
Mix.
We used on one occasion tincture of iodine with perfect success
in an old and obstinate case.
CANKER IN THE EAR.
This is a rather indefinite term, as applied to the diseased ear of a
dog; in fact, any malignant corroding sore may be called a canker, no
matter where situated. Some writers describe, under the head of canker,
a violent chronic otitis, attended by a purulent sanguinoid discharge.
Others understand by canker a species of erysipelatous inflammation,
that makes its appearance on the inside of the flap, and extends itself
to the interior of the ear. What we understand by canker, is an acute
inflammation of the lining membrane of the ear, destroying the tympanum
or drum, and producing total deafness. The secretion is often
considerable, and if not removed, will soon fill up the cavity of the
ear with a dark reddish deposit, which greatly increases the irritation
and inflammation of the parts. Mr. Blaine states that he has seen this
disease take a very malignant character, and extend its ravages over the
face, destroying the soft parts, and even penetrating through the bone
into the interior of the head.
'Causes'.--This disease may he excited by any of those causes that
produce a general or local inflammatory action; exposure to cold, the
presence of malignant diseases on other portions of the body, high
living, heat, confinement, or extraneous substances lodged in the organ
itself.
Water-dogs are most subject to this affection, owing, no doubt, to the
frequent afflux of blood to these parts, while the remainder of the body
is immersed in the water. A tendency to this peculiar inflammation may
also be produced in these animals by the action of the water upon the
delicate membranes of the ear, which occasions a violent shaking of the
head and beating of the flaps, which not unfrequently bruises them
considerably. Dogs that seldom or never go into the water are not,
however, by any means exempt from the disease; as we have often seen it
developed in terriers, mastiffs, and every species of mongrel.
'Treatment'.--When the disease appears in its acute form, and without
any apparent cause beyond luxurious living and confinement, bleeding,
purging, low diet, and regular exercise, together with tepid and
soothing washes, will generally relieve the inflammatory action of the
parts. The ear should be carefully and tenderly washed out with castile
soap, and a small quantity of the following solution poured into it two
or three times daily, and the ear worked about gently in the hand to
secure the percolation of the fluid through its structure.
[Symbol: Rx] Goulard's extract [Symbol: ounce] sj.
Water 1 pint.
Mix.
or,
[Symbol: Rx] Sugar of lead [Symbol: scruple] i.
Water [Symbol: ounce] i.
Mix.
or,
[Symbol: Rx] Powdered alum [Symbol: scruple] i.
Water [Symbol: ounce] i.
Mix.
The above mixtures should be warmed before using, otherwise the dog may
resist their introduction.
When the disease from bad treatment or neglect has subsided into the
chronic form, and ulceration and suppuration have commenced, it will be
necessary to pursue a somewhat different treatment, and remain more
patient, awaiting the result.
At this time the auditory passage is filled with a dark purulent
secretion, which forms a thick and irritating crust.
This deposit should first be removed by washing with castile soap and
tepid water, and the daily application of a hop poultice. If there be
much inflammatory action of the parts, the dog may be bled, and
alterative or purgative balls administered. The following wash must be
used two or three times daily.
[Symbol: Rx] Sugar of lead [Symbol: scruple] i.
Laudanum gtt.--20 (drops.)
Water [Symbol: ounce] i.
Mix.
As the discharge is usually very offensive, the following solution will
correct its fetor, and should be injected or poured in the ear.
[Symbol: Rx] Chloride of lime [Symbol: drachm] i.
Water [Symbol: ounce] vi.
Mix.
If granulations have sprung up, touch them with a camel's hair brush,
dipped in the following mixture:
[Symbol: Rx] Sulphate of copper [Symbol: scruple] i.
Water [Symbol: ounce] i.
Mix.
If, however, the excrescences continue to sprout from the cartilage, and
the discharge continues unabated and offensive, they may be excised and
the parts brushed over with nitrate of silver in substance. After this
operation the flap often becomes extremely tender and much swollen;
poultices of poppy-heads or hops will often afford much relief.
Setons are of much value in the treatment of obstinate cases, and should
be placed in the poll, and kept open till a cure is effected, or the
case abandoned.
All greasy applications to the parts should be discarded; the only one
we consider allowable would be a very nice preparation of fresh butter,
alum, and laudanum, smeared over the surface of the ulcers when very
indolent and painful.
The following wash will be found very soothing in the same case:
[Symbol: Rx] Opium gtt. 20.
Gum arabic iss--
Lime water [Symbol: ounce] iv.
If the disease has progressed far enough to destroy a considerable
portion of the cartilages, and perforate the tympanum, more care is
necessary in using the above washes, as the fluid will enter the
internal ear through this opening, and cause much uneasiness to the
animal, if not fatal consequences.
WOUNDS OF THE EAR.
Wounds of the flap are often occasioned by the tearing of poisonous
briars, while hunting in close cover, or in conflict with other dogs.
The former will generally heal up without much trouble, but the latter,
when extensive, sometimes two or three inches in length, by requiring
uniting by one or more sutures, to prevent deformity.
WARTS.
When these little excrescences appear on the external or internal
portions of the flap, they may be taken off with the knife, and caustic
applied to the wound, to induce them to heal, and keep down further
granulations.
CANKER OF THE EDGE OF THE FLAP.
When a corroding sore of this nature attacks the edges of the ear, and
refuses to yield to the application of a few stimulating washes, such as
sulphate of copper, alum, borax, nitrate of silver, &c., the diseased
edges may be paired off, and the actual cautery applied to the parts.
This will frequently arrest its further progress.
POLYPUS OF THE EAR
Polypi often spring up from the interior of the ear; they may be cut off
with the scissors, or by the application of a fine wire, or horse-hair
ligature. The wound should be touched with caustic, tincture of iodine,
or the actual cautery.
DISEASES OF THE EAR--MANGY EDGES
This affection generally accompanies the same disease in other portions
of the body, but may occasionally make its appearance independent of
this cause. The edges of the flap become rough, thickened, and furrowed,
the itching intolerable; and the dog perpetually shaking and scratching
the head, occasions a constant oozing of blood from the wound.
Smooth-baited dogs are most subject to this disease, such as pointers,
hounds, and terriers.
'Treatment'--Slightly stimulating washes, such as castile soap,
alum-water, or infusion of oak-bark, will, in the majority of cases,
induce these sores to heal up. If these do not answer, it will be
necessary to use the mange ointment, keeping the animal hobbled to
prevent him from scratching. Old inveterate cases are best cured by
trimming off the affected parts.--L.]