Ear Infections
Otitis externa (inflammation of the external ear canal) is one of the most common reasons for veterinary visits in dogs. It can progress to otitis media (middle ear) and otitis interna (inner ear). Predisposing factors include ear conformation, allergies, moisture, and foreign bodies. Chronic cases lead to canal stenosis and require surgical intervention.
Symptoms & Signs
- Head shaking
- Ear scratching
- Odor from ears
- Discharge (brown, yellow, or bloody)
- Redness and swelling of ear canal
- Pain when ears are touched
- Head tilt (if middle/inner ear involved)
- Hearing loss
Causes & Risk Factors
Primary causes: allergies (atopy, food allergy), foreign bodies, parasites (ear mites), autoimmune disease. Predisposing factors: pendulous ears, narrow canals, excessive hair, swimming. Perpetuating factors: bacterial infection (Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas), yeast (Malassezia), progressive pathological changes.
Diagnosis
Otoscopic examination of the ear canal and tympanic membrane. Cytology of ear discharge (bacteria, yeast, inflammatory cells). Culture and sensitivity for chronic/resistant infections. CT or MRI for middle/inner ear involvement.
Treatment
Ear cleaning with appropriate solutions. Topical medications (antibiotics, antifungals, corticosteroids). Systemic therapy for severe or middle ear infections. Address underlying cause (allergy management). Surgery (total ear canal ablation) for end-stage ears.
Prevention
Regular ear cleaning (weekly for predisposed breeds). Thorough drying after swimming. Management of underlying allergies. Avoiding cotton-tipped applicators. Regular veterinary ear checks.
Prognosis
Good for acute, properly treated infections. Chronic cases require ongoing management and may need surgical intervention. Addressing the underlying cause is key to preventing recurrence.
Affected Breeds (8)
| Breed | Species | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Turkish Van | Cat | Large |
| Beagle | Dog | Medium |
| Brittany | Dog | Medium |
| Clumber Spaniel | Dog | Large |
| Cocker Spaniel | Dog | Medium |
| English Springer Spaniel | Dog | Medium |
| Irish Water Spaniel | Dog | Large |
| Labrador Retriever | Dog | Large |