The Dog by Youatt, William, 1776-1847

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.