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.
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.
OPHTHALMIA--BLINDNESS--INVERTED EYELIDS--EVERTED EYELIDS--TORN EYELIDS--BARENESS AROUND MARGINS
Inflammation of one or both eyes is of fairly frequent occurrence amongst dogs, more especially when a dog has distemper; in fact, the eyes nearly always participate in this malady. Injuries, such as those produced by passing through thickets, etc., are also causes of this condition: likewise chemical, and other mechanical agencies.
The conjunctiva, or membrane lining the eyelids becomes an intense red: the eyes are intolerant to light, and tears flow freely over the face: the eyelids adherent, more especially after sleep, with a purulent discharge issuing therefrom.
Prolonged inflammation is liable to end in the production of opacity of the cornea, the surface of this membrane becoming a bluish white.
In distemper, ulceration of it is not uncommon. When Hounds are kept in damp kennels, where the sanitary arrangements are bad, very severe forms of distemper ophthalmia are frequent. The remark applies also to other dogs so situated.