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Basics of Canine Ear Infections Causes and Treatment

29 11:50:23

Basics of Canine Ear Infections Causes and Treatment






     Dogs cope with a wide range of physical challenges that include hip dysplasia, allergies, digestive problems, and issues involving their immune systems. They also deal with ear infections. You might notice your pet scratching his ears, rubbing them on the floor, or displaying sensitivity to touch as a result of pain. You may also notice a strange odor coming from his ears. These are signs that he has an ear infection.

It is estimated that nearly one in five canines cope with some form of ear disease, usually in the external ear canal. The condition is known as otitis externa, and is one of the most common reasons owners seek veterinary care for their pets. This article will discuss the factors that cause it as well as common methods of treatment. You'll also learn how to prevent future cases of otitis externa in your dog.

Factors That Contribute To Otitis Externa

There are several reasons your pet's external ear canal might become inflamed. One of the most common is an allergic reaction to food, airborne contaminants, or other stimuli. This can affect all breeds, even those with short ears.

Another cause of inflammation is a deficit or oversupply of certain hormones. An example is a hyperactive thyroid that produces excess T3 (triodothyronine). It is worth noting that hyperthyroidism is rare is canines, and thus ear infections are likely due to other factors.

Sometimes, small burrs and other objects can find their way into the ear, and cause inflammation of the canal. This usually occurs when dogs venture into fields and similar environments where such irritants are prevalent.

If your pet has long ears that flop over and prevent ventilation, bacteria may develop. This happens due to moisture that is unable to dissipate.

When Infection Spreads To Your Dog's Inner Ear

Most cases of otitis externa affect the outer ear canal. There are times, however, when infection spreads past the ear drum into the inner ear. This is much more serious than inflammation of the external canal, and warrants quick treatment to avoid permanent hearing loss in your canine.

When infection has reached the inner ear, you might notice a blood-tinged discharge, along with changes in your dog's face. He may experience difficulty raising the eyelid on the side of the infection, and have trouble swallowing due to pain. Unless the infection is treated, your pet may eventually start to lose his balance.

Treating The Condition

Once the veterinarian has confirmed otitis externa in your dog, the root cause of the condition must be identified. As described above, there are many factors that can trigger inflammation in the ear; each requires a different treatment approach.

If bacteria has colonized the outer canal (usually accompanied by an unpleasant odor), the vet will likely prescribe antibiotics. If an allergy has caused the infection, the ear is first cleaned. Then, the trigger for the allergic reaction is identified, and if possible, eliminated from your canine's environment.

Depending on the severity of the condition, the veterinarian may suggest giving your dog a class of steroids called glucocorticoids. These can reduce your pet's discomfort while the infection clears up.

Preventing Future Ear Infections

Because canines - especially those with flopping ears - are so susceptible to infections of the external ear canal, it is important to clean their ears on a regular basis. Veterinarians recommend doing so once a week. It not only helps prevent cases of otitis externa, but also prevents infection from spreading to the inner ear, where it can cause lasting damage.

Keep the hair around your dog's ears trimmed to encourage ventilation; apply a gentle ear cleaner to help loosen debris; and use a piece of cotton to wipe away the debris. If these steps are taken once a week, your canine is unlikely to suffer from severe ear infections.