Dog Ear Infection
8 Possible Causes Of Dog Ear Infection
Dog ear infection, otitis externa, is a condition of the inflammation of the outer ear canal.
It is a common condition in pets. An estimate of 20% of the dog population is affected by this ear problem.
The structure of a dog's ear canal differs from human. Human has a horizontal ear canal. A dog has a L-shape ear canal. It is easy for ear wax and moisture to be trap in the vertical section of the dog's ear canal. Often, the blockage leads to a dog ear infection.
There are many reasons for ear infection in dogs. Knowing the cause of the problem comes in handy when you want to help your dog to get better.
Here are 8 possible causes of dog ear infection:
- Floppy versus Erect Ears
Long floppy ears blowing in the wind makes a dog looks stylish and elegant. But those same floppy ears have a drawback. They block off light and reduce the air circulation within the ears.
Yeast and bacteria multiply quickly in a dark, moist and warm environment. The ear canal of a long, floppy-ear dog is the perfect place. Breeds like Basset Hound, Beagle and Cocker Spaniels often have this ear problem.
- Micro Organisms
Bacteria and yeast are one of the most common factors in dog ear infection.
The most common bacteria associated with ear infections are Staphylococcus Intermedius, Proteus Mirabilis, and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa. Pseudomonas bacteria infections are very resistant and often notoriously difficult to control.
Malassezia Pachydermatis is the yeast found most frequently in association with ear infections. It can cause severe ear and skin infections.
A healthy dog has a balanced flora of yeast and bacteria in the ear canal. But when the ear environment changes due to excess moisture, allergies or hormone disorder, the yeast and bacteria multiply quickly and the ear becomes inflammed.
- Parasites
Ear mites cause intense itching to your dog. A dog's ear that is infested with ear mites can have thousands of these tiny bugs crawling in the ear canal. As the mites feed and eat into the skin, the ear canal becomes sore and inflamed.
A dog trying to relieve the itch by scratching relentlessly, may cause further damage to the ear flaps.
- Allergies
Underlying allergies sometimes manifest as dog ear infection. A dog can have an allergic reaction to its food, something it inhales, or something it comes in contact with.
It is important to address the allergy in addition to the infection so as to minimize recurring ear inflammation.
- Foreign Bodies
Things that can get into your dog's ear include insects, twigs, grass seeds, sand, water, pet's fur ... and the list goes on. The foreign object causes irritation. If it travels deeper into the ear, it can cause damage to the ear drum.
- Hematoma
Sometimes a ear infection leads to hematoma in a dog. A dog scratching and shaking its head vigourously to get rid of an itch can break the blood vessels in the ear flap causing bleeding. The ear flap becomes swollen as blood collects within the ear flap. This can be very uncomfortable for the dog.
- Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is the condition where one has inadequate active thyroid hormone. It is the most common hormone imbalance of dogs. Hypothyroidism generally develops in middle aged or elderly dogs.
An imbalance in the thyroid hormone can also lead to dog ear infection.
- Tumors
Ear tumors in dogs can be benign or malignant. They generally affect middle aged or older dogs. Ceruminous gland adenocarcinoma is the most common malignant tumor of the ear canal of dogs, especially cocker spaniels. Other tumors may include papillomas and squamous cell carcinomas.
Some tumors cause pain, ulceration, bleeding and secondary ear infections.
If your pet has dog ear infection, do you know what causes the ear problem?
It may be difficult for a pet guardian to accurately determine the cause of a dog ear infection. So it is advisable to bring your dog to the veterinarian. An otoscopic examination and some lab work would provide a diagnosis of the ear infection.
Once you know the cause of the dog ear infection, you or your vet would be able to apply the appropriate treatment options.
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