What Are Dog Ear Infections?
A pristine canine ear boasts cleanliness and dryness as its defining features.
A natural microcosm of minuscule bacteria and yeast exists within a dog's external ear canal. In moderation, these microorganisms coexist without issue. However, when an accumulation of debris transpires or the usual health of the ear canal is disrupted, it can pave the way for an unwelcome overgrowth of bacteria and yeast, eventually culminating in an infection.
Ear infections rank among the most frequently encountered disorders afflicting dogs, predominantly targeting the outer ear, a condition known as otitis externa. Remarkably, while Basset Hounds, Shar-Pei, Labradoodles, Beagles, and Cockapoos display the highest proclivity for ear infections, no breed remains entirely immune.
Observable indicators of ear infections include head shaking, persistent ear scratching, an ear-specific odor, and noticeable debris within the ear canal.
Types of Dog Ear Infections
The intricate architecture of a canine ear unfolds progressively, commencing from the exterior and delving inward: Ear flap (known as pinnae), ear canal, eardrum, middle ear, and inner ear.
The realm of otitis, or ear inflammation, encompasses three distinctive categories, each predicated on the specific location within a dog's ear:
- Otitis externa, which denotes inflammation of the ear canal.
- Otitis media, indicating inflammation situated within the middle ear.
- Otitis interna, representing inflammation deep within the inner ear.
The preeminence of otitis externa prevails as the most prevalent form of ear infection in dogs, primarily due to its susceptibility to the external environment. Ear infections can manifest as acute, characterized by a rapid onset, or chronic, recurring over time. It is conceivable for dogs to suffer from an infection in one ear or both.
When your furry companion experiences recurring ear infections, it becomes imperative to collaborate closely with your veterinarian. A crucial facet of the treatment process involves thorough testing of your dog, facilitating the selection of the most appropriate medication. Chronic infections often require an extended treatment regimen, usually six to eight weeks.
After the prescribed treatment is completed, reevaluation through testing becomes necessary to confirm the eradication of the ear infection. Premature discontinuation of medication or failure to address underlying issues can engender the resurgence of the infection, potentially leading to the development of resistance against specific medicines.
Symptoms of Dog Ear Infections
Common signs of dog ear infections include:
- Redness
- Itching/scratching at ears
- Shaking of the head
- Discharge
- Scabs or crusting around the ear pinnae
- Pain
- Odor (a yeasty, corn chip-like smell)
- Head tilt
Additionally, dogs might encounter hearing impairment or equilibrium disturbances.
In exceptional cases, a dog's ear infection could influence the animal's appetite, especially when the infection begins to manifest system-wide effects. This occurrence is more commonly associated with otitis media or otitis interna.
Causes of Dog Ear Infections
Multiple factors can trigger ear infections in dogs.
Frequently, these infections arise due to an underlying issue that compromises the natural protective barrier of a dog's ear, rendering it ineffective. Once the ear succumbs to moisture or inflammation, it becomes a conducive environment for the proliferation of bacteria or yeast, paving the way for infections in our canine companions.
Several prevalent causative factors include:
- Ear mites
- Food allergies
- Endocrine issues such as hypothyroidism
- Polyps (fleshy growths inside the ear canal)
- Trauma to the ear
- Excessive moisture from bathing or swimming
- Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, pemphigus, or vasculitis
- Certain types of cancer
- Environmental allergies
- Foreign bodies (foxtails, grass awn) that get into the ear
These factors can render the ear canal susceptible to bacterial or yeast infections.
In instances where a dog experiences discomfort, marked by constant scratching and vigorous shaking, it can develop an aural hematoma. This condition manifests in the pinna or earflap, where damaged blood vessels leak blood, forming clots. The resultant outcome is swelling and heightened discomfort for the dog.
How To Diagnose Dog Ear Infections
Your veterinarian will undertake a series of diagnostic measures to determine the appropriate course of treatment for your canine companion.
These diagnostic tests may encompass:
- Cytology: This examination involves applying special stains to a swab of ear debris to highlight microscopic bacterial cells or fungal agents. Through tiny observation, the specific causative agent of the infection can be identified.
- Culture and Sensitivity Testing: This procedure employs a specialized medium or broth to cultivate and pinpoint the bacteria responsible for the infection. It also gauges the effectiveness of various antibiotics in eradicating the infection.
- Blood Testing: In some instances, blood testing may be necessary to investigate the presence of underlying endocrine disorders that could be contributing to the ear infection.
- Radiographic Imaging: For a comprehensive assessment of severe or inner ear conditions, your veterinarian may recommend skull X-rays, an MRI or a CT scan to ascertain the extent of the ailment in your dog.
Treatment of Dog Ear Infections
Once the particulars of your dog's ear infection have been ascertained, the treatment regimen will likely encompass a combination of therapeutic approaches, which may involve topical, oral, or surgical interventions.
Topical Treatment:
Depending on the type and severity of the ear infection, your veterinarian may recommend an ear cleaner, which could be either medicated or non-medicated. Generally, cleaning your dog's ears with an ear cleaner is advised daily or every other day during ear infection treatment. It is crucial to adhere to your veterinarian's guidelines regarding using the ear cleaner. Cleaning should precede the application of medications to avoid flushing them out. Ear medications often come in ear drops equipped with an applicator for convenient administration into your pup's ear canal. These medications can be antibiotics, antifungals, or a combination thereof, depending on the nature of the ear infection. Some formulations may also incorporate topical steroids to alleviate itching. Typically, ear medications are recommended once or twice a day for seven to 10 days, necessitating strict adherence to your veterinarian's specific instructions.
Oral Treatment:
The severity of your dog's ear infection may warrant using oral antibiotics, antifungals, or steroid medications.
Surgical Intervention:
In cases where ears have endured severe and chronic disease, they may become unresponsive to conventional medical treatments. Surgical intervention becomes necessary in such instances. The objective of surgery for these ears is either to open the ear canal or, in some cases, to excise all diseased tissue entirely. This surgical procedure is called a total ear canal ablation (TECA) and ventral bulla osteotomy (VBO).
Management and Recovery of Ear Infections in Dogs
The majority of dogs tend to recuperate without complications following ear infections.
Nonetheless, when a dog experiences recurrent or chronic ear infections, your veterinarian will likely suggest further diagnostic assessments to pinpoint any underlying factors.
Long-term management may involve routine weekly preventive ear cleaning and alterations to your dog's diet as deemed necessary.
Prevention of dog ear Infections
Consistent grooming and the upkeep of your pet's ears are integral to responsible pet care. This is particularly crucial when your dog is frequently exposed to water, such as during regular swimming.
The most effective approach to ear cleaning involves using a veterinarian-recommended ear-cleaning product specifically designed for dogs. These products are meticulously formulated to align with the appropriate pH levels for dogs while also incorporating drying agents to optimize their effectiveness.
