![]() ![]() Most uncomplicated ear infections resolve within 1–2 weeks, once appropriate treatment begins. In severe cases, your vet may prescribe oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Your vet may also prescribe an ear cleanser and a topical medication for you to use at home. Your veterinarian will thoroughly clean your dog’s ears using a medicated ear cleanser. Biopsies or X-rays in severe or chronic cases.Microscopic examination of samples taken by swabbing the ear.Gentle palpation of the ear to assess level of pain.Examination with an otoscope, which allows evaluation of the ear canal and eardrum.Visual assessment to look for signs such as redness, swelling, and discharge.Your vet will evaluate both ears, and the exam may include: In severe cases, your vet may also recommend sedating your dog to facilitate examination deep within the ear canal. If your dog has a history of ear infections, when they occurred, and how they were treatedĪfter obtaining your dog’s history, your veterinarian will perform a physical examination.Recent activities, such as baths, grooming, or swimming.If you’ve trimmed or plucked the hair in your dog’s ears.How often you clean your dog’s ears and which products you use.If your dog has any allergies or other underlying medical conditions. ![]() Duration of any symptoms, such as pain, swelling, discharge, and odor.Your vet will want to know the following: This is especially important for first-time infections, or if you are seeing a new veterinarian. Do not try to treat ear infections at home.īe prepared to provide your vet with a thorough history of the problem. Quick treatment is necessary not only for your dog’s comfort (these conditions can be painful!), but also to prevent the spread of infection to the middle and inner ear. If your dog is showing any of the common signs of ear infections, it’s important to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Precise Diagnosis Needed for a Dog’s Ear Infections Endocrine disorders, such as thyroid disease.Allergies, which lead to ear disease in about 50 percent of dogs with allergic skin disease and 80 percent of dogs with food sensitivities.Moisture, which can create a prime growing environment for bacteria and yeast.In puppies, ear mites can also be a source of infection.įactors that may predispose your dog to ear infections include: Ear infections are typically caused by bacteria, yeast, or a combination of both. This makes dogs more prone to ear infections. The canine ear canal is more vertical than that of a human, forming an L-shape that tends to hold in fluid. But ear infections often cause significant discomfort and affected dogs may show signs such as: Some dogs show no symptoms of ear infection aside from a buildup of wax and discharge in the ear canal. That’s why it’s important to prevent infections and seek early treatment when problems arise. Otitis media and interna can be very serious and may result in deafness, facial paralysis, and vestibular signs. These infections often result from the spread of infection from the external ear. Otitis media and interna refer to infections of the middle and inner ear canal, respectively. The most common is otitis externa, in which inflammation affects the layer of cells lining the external portion of the ear canal. There are three types of ear infections, known formally as otitis externa, media, and interna. There are even several over-the-counter remedies. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the length and severity of these episodes for your dog. An estimated 20 percent of dogs have some form of ear disease, which may affect one or both ears. Many dog owners have learned to recognize the telltale signs of an ear infection: whining, scratching, and head shaking are often the first symptoms of the problem.Įar infections are common conditions in dogs, especially those with floppy ears such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels. If your dog is showing any of the common signs of ear infections, it’s important to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.Prevention is key - learn how to clean your dog’s ears safely.Dogs are more prone to ear infections than humans because of the shape of their ear canals.As many as 20 percent of dogs have some form of ear disease. ![]()
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