WHAT CAUSES EAR DISEASE IN PETS?
There are many causes of ear disease in pets: bacterial or yeast infection, parasites (such as ear mites or ticks), tumors, and foreign bodies (such as a foxtail grass). Many ear infections are secondary to other problems, such as allergies or skin conditions.
Whatever the cause, the earlier the infection is detected, the less the pain and discomfort your pet will have to endure and the easier the problem will be to resolve.
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WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL SIGNS OF EAR DISEASE?
Your pet may have one or more of the following physical signs when ear disease is present:
* A foul odor coming from the ear
*Frequent scratching of the ear
*Holding of the head or ear in an unusual position
*Frequent shaking of the head
*Tenderness, irritability, or pain when the ear is touched
*Redness or swelling in the ear
*Black, yellow, or cream-colored discharge from the ear
HOW CAN I PREVENT EAR INFECTIONS IN MY PET?
Some ear infections are difficult to prevent. However, one way you can avoid them is to avoid prolonged wetness in your pet's ears. If you give your pet a bath or allow your dog to swim, be sure to pat the insides of the ears with a dry towel. Gently use a dry cotton ball to wipe the inside of the ears and the upper part of the ear canal.
The normal, healthy ear canal is a dry environment. If your pet's ears are damp or wet, bacteria or yeast may grow more easily. Your veterinarian can recommend or prescribe solutions specifically designed for cleaning and drying your pet's ears.
WHAT TYPE OF PET IS MOST SUSCEPTIBLE TO EAR INFECTIONS?
Ear infections are much more in common in dogs than in cats. Ear infections may occur in any dog breed, BUT cocker spaniels, miniature poodles, and other floppy-eared dogs are the most susceptible. Pets with floppy ears may be more prone to ear infections because air cannot reach the ear canals and cannot dry the ears naturally, as it does for pets with erect ears.
HOW IS EAR DISEASE DIAGNOSED?
Only your veterinarian can diagnose ear disease. The veterinarian will examine the entire ear, including the skin of the earflaps, and use an otoscope to examine the ear canal itself. A member of the veterinary health-care team may swab the ear discharge to look for ear mites, bacteria, or yeast with a microscope or to complete bacterial cultures. if the veterinarian identifies a tumor or polyp, biopsies and/or surgery may be necessary.
HOW IS EAR DISEASE TREATED?
Ear disease has many causes, and no one medication treats all ear disease. Only your veterinarian can diagnose the problem and prescribe appropriate treatment and medication. Certain ear disease (such as ear infections) may be treated medically, while other diseases (such as polyps or tumors) may be treated surgically. In some cases, your pet's ear may contain a foreign body, a tumor, or heavy build-up of debris that must be removed. In most cases, removal will require sedation or anesthesia to avoid unnecessary discomfort to your pet.
Many ear infections are secondary to underlying health problems, such as allergies. The underlying problem must be treated before an ear infection can be controlled successfully. Your veterinarian will recommend appropriate medication and treatment to combat your pet's ear infection and any underlying problems.
It's important to take your pet to the veterinarian when you first notice any sign of discomfort, odor, or discharge. If your pet continuously scratches and shakes his head, s/he may suffer from broken blood vessels in the earflap, leading to an accumulation of blood under the skin. Treatment if this condition, which is called "an aural hematoma" generally requires surgery.
HOW SHOULD I CLEAN MY PET'S EARS AND ADMINISTER EAR MEDICATIONS?
Your veterinarian will recommend how often you should clean and medicate your pet's ears and will demonstrate the proper procedure. Generally, you will need to clean the ear prior to using ear medication-- your veterinary staff can recommend products designed for cleaning the ears at home. You may use small pieces of cotton or tissue to clean the ear canal. Do not use cotton swabs! They may puncture your pet's eardrum.
To administer ear medication, squirt it directly into the pet's ear as directed by your veterinarian. Make sure the medication runs down to the turn between the vertical and horizontal canal. Massage the ear canal between your finger and thumb. Allowing your pet to shake his head may help loosen debris that lies deeper in the canal.
Nearly all ear infections are curable when diagnosed early on. Early detection can prevent your pet from experiencing severe pain and ongoing problems. If left untreated, an ear infection can cause so much scarring that the ear canal becomes closed. In this extreme case, your pet might need surgery. Be sure to contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet may have an ear infection. AAHA press
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