Pet Ear Infections: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Pets are vulnerable to a lot of infections which, if not given proper and early medical attention, can evolve into something more severe and life-threatening.

One of the most common infections animalssuffer at any moment in their life is Otitis Externa, commonly referred to as an ear infection, or the inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal. This is true especially with dogs as a manifestation of some form of allergy. Floppy-eared dogs, whose ears allow for a moist and warm environment, are more prone to ear infections. As animals' external ears are longer than humans, it makes wax build-up harder to remove and requires the use of an otoscope, a device that provides light and magnification used to look into ears.

Though ear infections are not as prevalent in felines as it is with canines, it is still prudent to ensure that you make use of proper grooming techniques to keep them from contracting theseear infections. Though in some cases, ear infection is borne from allergies your pet may have.

But how will you know if your cat, or your dog, has already developed Otitis Externa?

There are several visible symptoms of petear infection, most of which can be seen in your pets' behavior. If there is an excessive shaking of the head, pawing of the ears, and aversion from being petted, then it is highly likely your four-legged friend may be infected. Inspection of your pets' ears and observing redness, thickness, and scaly skin around the ear is also an indication of anear infection, as with the abnormal discharge and odor from the ear. If your four-legged friend has any of the aforementioned symptom, it is best to have them physically examined by your veterinarian.

Examinations for Otitis Externa comprises of the vet making use of the otoscope to make sure their eardrum is still intact and see the scope of the infection, as well as swabbing of the ear to obtain a sample of the substance within the ear to be examined under a microscope.

Veterinary treatment of anear infection can be as simple as gently cleaning the infected ear with a dog-approved ear cleaner. If you are going to clean the ear, however, keep in mind that it is inflamed and touching it will cause pain. A cotton ball can serve well under these circumstances, as will making use of anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial mixtures. Under no circumstances should a Q-Tip swab be used as it can push debris deeper into the ear canal and worsen the infection.

There are, however, severe cases where gentle cleaning will no longer work as the infection has spread. Such casesoften require sedation and anesthesia. If the cause of the infection are ear mites, eardrops containing ivermectin, selamectin, or those with pyrenthrins are made use of.

The length of treatment for Otitis Externa depends on the condition, the severity of the infection, including changes to the ear caused by the infection. In some cases, the veterinarian may require oral medication to be employed as well. The vet will also schedule for rechecks to ensure that the medication is taking effect and the ear infection is being cured.