Ozaena signifies a discharge from the nose, purulent or sanious, and disgustingly fetid. It is rather a symptom of one or more diseased states than a special disease of itself. The morbid condition on which the symptom depends should, therefore, have the chief attention of the practitioner. The essential character of ozaena is extreme foetor of the expired air and of the nasal discharge. The discharge is constant and more or less profuse; it is always mattery in character, and sometimes mixed with blood.

It is most commonly met with in pug dogs, especially if old; and its frequent occurrence in them is stated by some authorities to depend on the peculiar shape of the nose, which may doubtless be reckoned as a strong predisposing cause. It is also sometimes found in old dogs of other varieties.

There are usually indications of pain and oppressed stertorous breathing, in consequence of the free ingress and egress of air being obstructed by the accumulation of matter. The animal makes constant efforts to dislodge the obstruction by sneezing; should these efforts be successful, relief is obtained for a short time, but the uneasiness returns with the stoppage. Ozaena may depend: -

1. On a relaxed state of the nasal mucous membrane, following an attack of neglected or badly-treated catarrh, and accompanied by secretion of vitiated mucus, especially if the constitutional powers be impaired by chronic disease or by old age.

2. On the natural mucus of the nose collecting and putrefying in the nostrils.

3. On the irritation and consequent excessive secretion induced by the presence of a foreign body in the nostrils, or by a morbid growth, such as a polypus.

4. On inflammation and consecutive ulceration of the mucous membrane, occurring either spontaneously or as the result of catarrh or of injuries.

5. On caries of the nasal bones.

Treatment. Arsenicum

Two to five drops of the first dilution twice a-day, followed, if necessary, in a fortnight by Mercurius iod., one grain of the second trituration every night; or by Aurum muriaticum, if the dog has been already saturated with mercury. Give one drop of the first dilution night and morning.

The nostrils should be thoroughly syringed with lukewarm water night and morning.