There is probably no disease to which the dog is subject that has been more improperly treated with harsh and pernicious measures than so-called canker of the ear. This, in its first stages, is simply an inflammation of the lining membrane of the ear passage, and, if it is taken in hand in time, readily yields to simple treatment; but, owing to the fact that the seat of the trouble is hidden from sight, it is often the case that it becomes a serious matter before one is aware that anything is amiss.

The trouble is attributable to many causes, but chiefly to some derangement of the digestive organs, which induces inflammation that extends to the very sensitive membrane of the ear, and if not soon relieved it will result in ulceration or canker. Some writers, for whose opinions I have the greatest respect, are skeptical regarding the theory that improper diet causes this complaint, and attribute its presence to other causes, laying great stress upon the fact that the disease appears to be hereditary, and that a tendency to it at least is transmitted in some families from generation to generation. While admitting the truth of this - as my experience corroborates it - I must, in the absence of proof to the contrary, be allowed the belief that, as there must have been a starting point somewhere, improper diet was that starting point in a very large percentage of instances. Blows on the head, foreign substances, hardened secretions of wax, filthy kennels, and other causes have a share in producing the disease.

As a rule, dogs that are properly cared for are seldom afflicted with it. There is also a disease of the interior of the ear of the dog, caused by the presence of a minute parasite, whose ravages cause the poor animal no end of discomfort. This trouble in all its symptoms exactly resembles canker, but will not yield to the treatment that readily overcomes that disease, and harsher remedies must be applied, often to the ruin of the hearing and health of the victim.

This disease I believe to be rarely met with, and, as the remedy is too harsh and powerful for general use, I will not prescribe for it; but simply advise that you consult a skilled veterinarian when the remedies recommended for canker, upon thorough trial, fail to effect a cure within a few days.

The symptoms of internal canker are usually not noticed until the disease is somewhat advanced, when your attention is called to something being wrong by the dog shaking his head or scratching the base of the ear, or perhaps by an offensive odor. An examination will show the inside of the ear to be red and inflamed, and perhaps somewhat puffed or swollen, and if the disease is of long standing there is usually a tar-like liquid present, together with an offensive odor. The first remedy to be applied is warm and strong castile soap suds. Thoroughly wash out the ear with a soft sponge, and when the external orifice is clean, turn the head one side and fill the ear with the warm soap suds, and gently knead the base with the fingers, working the water into the cavity, repeating this four or five times during the day. A syringe, if properly used, is very helpful, as with its aid the inmost recesses of the ear can be cleansed, but I am loth to recommend its use unless by experienced hands, as the ear is one of the most sensitive and tender organs of the body, and unless great care is taken to do the necessary work very gently, evil results and perhaps permanent injury to the patient's hearing may follow. I would recommend any one unaccustomed to its use to first practice upon their own ear until they become sufficiently experienced to minister to their patient without danger to the very delicate organism under treatment. After thoroughly cleansing the ear, wipe dry with a soft cloth, and drop into the ear about ten drops of extract of witch hazel and glycerine in equal parts. This should be blood - warm, and the head held on one side until the mixture runs well into the ear.

This treatment in many cases will be all that is necessary to effect a cure; but if the trouble does not seem to yield readily to it, the following mixture should be used: bromo chloralum, one part; laudanum, one part; extract of witch hazel, two parts; water, four parts.

After cleansing the ear with the warm soap suds as directed, turn the head on one side and completely fill the cavity of the ear with the mixture, and gently manipulate the base of the ear with the fingers, in order to work it into the passage thorough-ly. Repeat this course three times a day for two days, and in ordinary cases a complete cure will be effected, or at least great improvement in the condition of the patient will be manifest. Should the trouble, however, not yield readily to this treatment, you would better at once call in the services of an experienced veterinarian.

External canker is generally understood to mean almost any ailment that affects the outer cavity, the inside of the flap or the edge of the ear. Inflammation of the outer cavity will nearly always readily yield to the treatment already advised.

When blisters form on the inside of the flap, they should be opened from the lowest portion with a sharp knife and thoroughly cleansed with warm castile soap suds, using a syringe and then washing with the mixture prescribed for internal canker.

The edge of the flap is sometimes affected with a dry, scaly substance, and if not properly attended to raw places will appear and often the edge will crack, causing great discomfort to the animal. If this is properly treated in season, a cure can be easily effected by simply thoroughly cleansing the affected part and washing with strong alum water, then gently rubbing on a little lard or any simple salve. If the trouble, however, has become too deeply seated to yield readily to this treatment, paint the affected portion very lightly with tincture of iodine, repeating this occasionally, as the case seems to require. In severe cases it will be necessary to make a cap, something in shape like a nightcap, and tie on over the ears, to prevent the whipping of their edges when he shakes his head.

Dogs in health that are properly cared for - as I have before stated - rarely contract this disease; but it often occurs as a sequence of other disorders, notably distemper. I have given considerable space to it, as, notwithstanding the best of care, your dog may be afflicted with it.

Many dogs become partially deaf, and some wholly so, from the effects of this disease. They might have been saved from the misfortune had the trouble been attended to at the proper time. Many of the unfortunate ones, however, are thus afflicted solely from the effects of the pernicious stuff that has been poured into their ears by persons entirely ignorant of the first principles that govern the intelligent practice of the healing art.