Ear Disease

Overview

Ear diseases are some of the most rampant health problems experienced by many animals. One of the most common ear problems is otitis externa (literally translated as infection or inflammation of the outer ear). It is true that all dogs regardless of breed can suffer from this ailment. However, there are particular dog breeds that are found to be more prone to having one. Poodles, Spaniels and other dogs having big hairy ears are the usual victims. They can experience recurring ear problems. That’s why you need to employ preventive care much more if your dog falls under the description specified as susceptible to ear infections.

What are the usual signs?

There are many signs of ear diseases. Often, the dog is seen scratching his ears or head more than usual. He will also exhibit a sort of head shaking and head tilting. With regard to the ears, they will appear swollen and reddened. The most serious cases can easily be identified with a very foul odor and visible discharges oozing out from the ears.

What are the possible causes?

Treatment can only be effective as soon as the root cause has been identified. Luckily for otitis externa, there is always a reason or reasons behind the infection. The most common of which includes: ear conformation, allergies, ear environment, trauma and if some foreign bodies got stuck inside the ear. If the conditions are right, these variables can lead to secondary infections that can infect not only the outer region of the ear but also the middle and innermost sections (i.e. otitis media).

1. Ear conformation – dogs are more susceptible to ear infections because of the normal anatomical structure of their ears. They usually have ears that bend due to the presence of an ear canal that’s directed vertically and horizontally. This is dissimilar to a man’s normal ear canal that’s ordinarily in a horizontal fashion only. Thus, dogs have greater chances of trapping unwanted debris and moisture inside their ears. Debris is less likely to be drained because their ears actually ‘bend.’ This problem is intensified among dogs with pendulous ears like the Cocker Spaniels.

2. Ear environment – dogs also love to swim and immerse themselves in water. As a result, too much moisture is retained in their ears, which becomes a perfect hot spot for bacteria to thrive and develop. This can also be the case if the pet owner cleans the ears of his dog more often than necessary. In addition, yeast infections inside the ear are also possible. As mentioned, dogs having too much hair on or near their ears are more susceptible to otitis externa. This is because the hair traps the debris, thereby preventing it from going out again.

3. Allergies – if there are allergies affecting the skin, there is also a big chance that it can reach up to the ear canal. The allergic reaction can also lead to another secondary infection. Hence, treating such will not ultimately resolve the case as the allergy needs to be addressed as well.

4. Foreign bodies – foreign material accidentally inserted into the dog’s ears is not extraordinary. Grass seeds are among the most typical instigators. When materials like these become stuck inside the animal’s ear, you will notice that your pet will scratch his ears frequently and shake his head as if he wants to dislodge something from the inside.

5. Parasites – Otodectes cynotis, popularly known as the ear mite can induce the production of dark brown wax inside the ear canal. This mite is more common among felines than in canines.

6. Trauma – this usually results from any of the above causes. Ear scratching, vigorous head shaking and the like can all contribute to internal haemorrhages that end up as an aural haematoma (bleeding inside the ears).

How is an ear disease diagnosed?

Through otoscopy, the veterinarian makes use of an otoscope to probe into the ear canal of your pet. With such an instrument, it is very possible to clearly see any tumour and other foreign bodies that might have gotten inside the canal. Any pathologic discharge, ulceration and ear inflammation can be seen by performing the said procedure. This assessment is very important so that the right medications can be prescribed. This test also verifies whether your canine’s ear drum is still intact. Drugs used to treat ear infections can’t be administered if the ear drum has already been ruptured.

Nevertheless, since this ailment is pretty common your vet can immediately peep into the ear canal and see the nature of the disorder. Unfortunately, this may become a very uncomfortable experience for most pets as their ear canals have already become swollen. The slightest pulling motion applied to the ear of the animal may prove excruciating. Hence, sedating the animal using an anaesthetic may be required.

The vet can also verify if there are any bacteria, mites and or yeasts infiltrating the canal through swabbing. The swabs can then be placed on a glass slide for examination and possible culture so as to correctly prescribe the correct antibiotic that can match the characteristics of the bacteria under study. Nevertheless, a physical examination is routinely done at the start to determine any allergic predispositions, as well as, the presence of any hormonal imbalances that your dog may be experiencing.

How are ear diseases treated?

Bacterial infections can only be addressed with the proper antibiotics. Similarly, yeasts infections are treated using antifungal drugs. These medications are usually prepared in liquid formulations so that they can be dropped easily into the ear canal.

In most cases, steroidal drugs are also prescribed so as to control the degree of inflammation. It is very important to manage inflammation in its earliest stages since it may progress into a much serious case that involves abnormal changes inside the ear itself. Some of the most obvious changes include thickening of the ear canal lining due to the inflammation. As a result, any unwanted fluids that are supposedly to be drained are trapped inside the ear because of the narrowed passageway. Certain cartilages may also end up being calcified (hardened) which push the infection downwards involving both the middle and inner ear.

Overall, treatment must be directed to the exact cause of the disorder. If it is atopy (allergies), then anti allergy medications like antihistamines and vaccines for desensitisation can both be used. For hormonal problems, these must be corrected first above all else. In the same way, ear mites need to be dealt with using the correct anti-mite solutions. If pharmacologic treatment (using drugs) fails, then a more radical approach through surgery can be prescribed by the vet.

Proper Administration of Ear Medications:
1. First grab the ear flap upwards using your non-dominant hand.
2. Put only a few drops of the drug directly towards the ear canal holding the vial using your dominant hand.
3. Hold the ear flap firmly for several minutes so as to let the medication move further from the vertical ear canal into the horizontal ear canal.
4. After which, you can already massage the ear’s base. Normally, you’ll notice a soft squishing sound. This allows for better passage of the drug down through the entire length of the canal.
5. Lastly, you can already free your pet and let him shake his head. By doing so, any debris can be loosed with the help of both the shaking action and the medication.
 

Disclaimer

This pet health article is for reference only.

If your pet is showing any symptoms or distress, and you suspect your pet is ill CONTACT YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY.