_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. CHAPTER XXIV =Diseases of the Eye= OPHTHALMIA--BLINDNESS--INVERTED EYELIDS--EVERTED EYELIDS--TORN EYELIDS--BARENESS AROUND MARGINS OPHTHALMIA 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. _Treatment._--This must be of both a "local" and general kind. Sponge eyes several times daily with a weak boracic acid lotion (30 grains to 6 ounces of water), using a sponge or piece of linen previously dipped in boiling water. Good results sometimes follow fomenting with luke-warm tea, its simplicity being a recommendation. When the cornea is ulcerated, use a solution of nitrate of silver (4 grains to the ounce of distilled water) as drops, night and morning. Keep the dog's head steady, part the lids, and then apply. These drops will be equally useful for "cloudy cornea." Rest the eyes by keeping dog in a dark place. Around the margins a little of Singleton's Golden Eye Ointment will be of as much service as aught else that can be recommended, and can be procured at any drug stores. BLINDNESS A predisposing factor in the production of blindness is that of old age, many aged dogs having what is known as senile cataracts. Injuries of any kind to the eye are liable to end in either partial, or complete, blindness. In cataract, it is the lens, its covering, or both, that are the seats of disease.