Dog ear infection surgery

Most dog ear infections respond to prescription ear ointments and cleaning if they are diagnosed early and treated thoroughly (always finish the bottle or tube of medication unless directed otherwise by your vet, return to your vet if the ear is not improving as expected).  In some more severe cases other medications such as oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatories are required.

In middle and inner ear infections, or chronic ear infections, surgery may sometimes be required to effectively treat the infection.  In some cases this may help open the external or the inner ear so it can clear infection more easily.  In severe dog ear infections the entire ear including the middle ear must be removed (read more about dog ear infection complications).

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Read more about dog ear infections

Will my pet need an operation?    Sometimes, ear infections recur. This can be for a variety of reasons, including the fact that the dog or cat may have a deformed or narrow ear canal or that it may have tumours or growths in the ear. In addition, recurring ear infections often result when the animal has a generalised skin infection. Solving the skin infection will usually eliminate the ear problem. In cases where a narrowing of the ear canal is present, from a tumour, a long-term infection or a natural deformity, the ear canal remains moist and infections are almost impossible to eliminate. Your pet may need an operation to solve this problem.  In one operation, your vet removes the skin overlying the outer portion of the ear canal so that the ear canal is open to the air. This results in drying of the canal and elimination of the infection.  In another operation, called an ear ablation, your vet will remove the entire cartilage of the ear canal and the hole going down to the eardrum. While this usually solves the problem, sadly, the animal will be deaf in that ear.  If you feel you pet’s ears are causing it problems, don’t delay. Ear infections left untreated can be a very difficult problem.

Dog ear infections: see a vet

Most dog ear infections are best taken straight to your vet.  Any time the ear is red, painful, very itchy, or has discharge, incorrect treatment could cause pain and permanent damage to the ear.  Failing to treat dog ear infections promptly is also a common cause of complications, such as middle and inner ear infections, hot spots and aural haematomas (read more about dog ear infection complications).

Check your dog's ears regularly to ensure you don't miss early ear infections.  Once you find an advanced ear infection, take your dog to the vet.

The key is regularly checking your dog's ears so you catch the first signs of trouble.  Be on the lookout for any signs of ear infections in your dog.

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When should I see the vet?   
Typically, letting your veterinarian professionally examine and clean your pet’s ears is easier and safer. Your vet will look into your pet’s ears with an otoscope to find out what is causing the problem. If mites are present, they will be visible but, in many cases, bacteria or yeasts without ear mites cause the infection. There may also be foreign bodies present, such as grass seeds, which need immediate attention by a veterinarian. 

In many cases your pet will need antibiotics or other prescription medications to solve the problem. Ear medications like this are not available over the counter. 

It may be necessary for your pet to be anaesthetised for the vet to examine its ears correctly. This will also allow proper cleaning and inspection. A sample of the discharge is often taken and this will be examined under the microscope to find out what bugs are present. A swab may also be sent off to a laboratory for a ‘culture and sensitivity’ test. This is done to detect what bugs are present and what medications are best suited to kill them. As you will know, some bacteria are resistant to certain antibiotics.

Be sure to complete the full course of any ointment that your vet prescribes.

Treating dog ear infections

One of the most common questions about dog ear infections is:

"how can I treat them myself at home?"

If you catch and ear infection very early cleaning the ears with a suitable ear cleaning solution like Epi-Otic can be helpful.  Once the ear is red, very itchy, painful or has discharge though, this is likely to sting and may damage the inflamed ear.  If this is the case you should take your dog straight to the vet.

The key is regularly checking your dog's ears so you catch the first signs of trouble.  Be on the lookout for any signs of ear infections in your dog.

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Read more about dog ear infections

 

What can I do at home?   
If the problem is caught early enough, then home treatment may be useful, especially if ear mites are the cause. Ask your vet for a good ear cleaning solution that also contains a compound to kill the mites. These preparations contain compounds to dissolve the wax, to reduce bacterial infection and to kill the mites that are present. Put the medication into each ear twice daily or as indicated. 

Dog ear infection symptoms

Because dog ear infections can be painful and can become long term problems, it is vital you know the symptoms of ear infections in dogs.

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How will I know if my pet has an ear infection?   
When an infection starts, a pet will shake its head occasionally and will scratch its ear. This will often progress to the stage where the pet is obviously distressed. It may moan as it tries to scratch its ear. It will rub its head along the ground and may walk with its head at an angle.

If you examine the ear, you will notice that the ears have a pungent smell. You may also see some discharge in the ear, especially in the ear canal. This discharge may be brown in colour, it may be yellow and look like pus, or it may contain blood - not something to ignore.

An insect called an ear mite sometimes causes ear infections. These small creepy-crawlies move around inside the ear canal and cause great discomfort. The ears of the dog or cat react to this irritation by pumping out a waxy discharge. This gunk is an ideal soup for bacteria, yeasts and fungi to grow in, further worsening the problem.

Dog ear infection and haematoma

One of the common complications of dog ear infections is an aural haematoma.  This is where the ear fills with blood, often as the result of injury or constant shaking or scratching.  If you treat your dog's ear infection early you reduce the risk of complications like this.  Other common complications of dog ear infections are middle and inner ear infections, hot spots, and chronic ear infections.

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Read more about treating dog ear infections

Aural Haematoma In Dogs Does your dog have a swollen earflap or 'fat ear'? It is likely that he or she has an aural haematoma. An Aural Haematoma is a blood clot in the ear; aural refers to the ear, and a haematoma is a localized collection of blood or serum. The ear may hang at an unusual angle and the dog often holds it head to the side of the affected ear. How does an aural haematoma occur?    The blood that collects between the cartilage and skin of the earflap is due to a burst blood vessel. This can occur if the dog scratches the ear excessively or shakes the head, often as a response to an ear infection, such as ear mites. It can also occur as a result of trauma to the ear. The haematoma itself won't burst as the pressure of the fluid buildup prevents further bleeding and the blood in the haematoma becomes clotted. What is the treatment for an aural haematoma?    Most aural haematomas require surgical treatment. Surgery aims to remove the haematoma, prevent recurrence, and retain the natural appearance of the ear. A long incision is made over the haematoma and the area flushed. Placing a series of sutures obliterates the space where the blood accumulated. These sutures may incorporate a haematoma pad, lengths of tubing, or even buttons to help distribute the pressure over a larger area. A general anaesthetic is required for this procedure. Often the ear is bandaged, but if the dog does not tolerate the bandage well, an Elizabethan collar may be required to prevent the dog removing the bandage and further traumatizing the ear. It may be possible to use non-surgical treatment for some small haematomas, especially if the risk of an operation is a concern. The dog is usually sedated and the blood aspirated through a needle. Then a corticosteroid is injected into the space left by the haematoma, and the ear may be bandaged. Repeat injections are sometimes necessary and surgery may still be required if treatment is unsuccessful, so it is preferable to drain the haematoma surgically where possible. Any underlying ear disease must be treated, as an aural haematoma is usually a sign of ear disease such as infection or a foreign body (for example, a grass seed). Grass seeds are a particular problem so check your dog's ears regularly and seek veterinary attention quickly if your dog starts pawing at the ear, rubbing it along the ground, shaking its head or holding it to one side. Don't wait! Ear mites and bacterial and/or yeast infections are other causes of ear problems that can lead to aural haematomas. Dogs with hairy ear canals or ones with pendulous ears preventing adequate ventilation are more prone to infections. What happens if a haematoma is not treated?    Left untreated, an aural haematoma may eventually resolve by itself, but the ear becomes misshapen (just like the ‘cauliflower ear’ of boxers), and the underlying reason for the haematoma is not addressed, leading to further trauma and damage to the ear, as well as considerable pain for the dog.

Ear infection in humans!

Dog owners often neglect dog ear infections much too late.  I know when I have ear infections its is painful and unpleasant, even when mild.  Imagine how bad it feels when there is pus and blood!

Dog ear vet

Wikipedia tells it like it is.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otitis_externa

Dog Ear Infection

Dog ear infections 

If you notice your usually calm dog shaking his head, pawing at his ear and whining, then he may have an ear infection.

 Your vet will make a number of decisions and recommendations to treat your dog in order to treat your dog's ear infection. A vet can determine the cause of the ear infection and prescribe the right type of medicine to treat it. Your vet will probably have you give the dog drops for a week as well as continuing to clean the ear. 

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Dog ear infection treatment

Treating dog ear infections requires correct diagnosis and the correct medications and technique.  Your vet should be involved in the treatment but all but mild dog ear infections.  If not treated correctly dog ear infections can cause serious disease.

Dog ear vet

Read more about how to treat dog ear infections at Dog Ear Infection

Does My Dog Have an Ear Infection?

Yeast and Bacterial Canine Ear Infections Cause Pain, Ear Discharge Jun 4, 2008 Mia Carter

Prevent Dog Ear Infections with Ear Cleanings. - Csuka András Photo

Hearing loss, pain and discomfort can result from a dog's ear infection, which can cause permanent hearing loss in dogs if untreated.

Ear infections are one of the most common ailments seen in dogs who land in the veterinarian’s office, and prompt treatment of ear ailments can help prevent permanent damage like hearing loss. Recognizing the most common symptoms of an ear infection in a dog – ear discharge, itching, swelling and head shaking – is the first step in managing canine ear infections.

“Ear infections are very common in dogs – the vast majority of dogs will suffer from an ear infection at some point during their life. Dogs with floppy ears and fur on the inner part of their ears are much more prone, but anytime there’s an accumulation of bacteria and moisture, there’s a good chance of a bacterial or fungal infection,” explained Dr. Michael Levine, DVM.

There are two common varieties of ear infections in dogs, and each affects the ear in different ways. An infection affecting the outer portion of the ear canal is known as otitis externa. The infection can also advance and spread into the dog's middle ear. An infection affecting the dog's middle ear is termed otitis media. The inner ear can also be affected in some very advanced cases. Otitis interna - an infection of the inner ear - can then spread to the central nervous system, leading to systemic infection and ultimately death

A dog's ear infection can take one of two forms: bacterial infections and fungal infections, and each is treated with a slightly different medication.

Bacterial Ear Infections

Bacterial infections in dogs are typically associated with discharge, redness, swelling and pain. These infections arise when the population of bacteria inside the dog's ear grows beyond the control of the body’s immune system defenses. In some cases, particularly involving a dog with chronic ear infections, there is a lack of airflow and an accumulation of moisture that sets the stage for infection – often seen in dogs with floppy ears or furry inner ears. Failure to regularly clean a dog’s ears can also lead to bacterial infections.

Antibiotic drops, combined with twice-daily cleanings, are the most common treatment for bacterial ear infections in dogs.

Frequent dog head shaking is another a very common symptom associated with a bacterial ear infection. Excessive head shaking in dogs can lead to additional parallel problems, like the breakage of blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. This results in the formation of an aural hematoma, which is a pocket of blood beneath the skin’s surface that often requires lancing, antibiotic treatment and even surgery.

Read on 

• How to Clean a Dog's Ears
• Diagnosing and Treating Ear Infections in Dogs
• Ear Infections in Dogs

Fungal Ear Infections

Fungal ear infections in dogs are triggered by a fungus, which can often spread to other parts of the body, including the face and paws. Fungi thrives in locations that are moist, dark and damp, therefore floppy-eared dogs like hounds and spaniels are particularly prone to these infections.

In the case of a yeast infection, which is among the most common types of fungal infection, the yeast is constantly present on the body. The dog's body typically keeps the yeast in-check, but there are cases where changes in body chemistry, combined with ideal moist conditions, can result in an overgrowth of the yeast – a yeast infection. In other cases, fungi can be transferred to the skin by direct contact, leading to the establishment of the infection.

Fungal infections in dogs are often associated with discharge, redness, swelling, scaling, dryness, oozing and intense itching. When a dog scratches his ears, this not only spreads the infection, but the dog's nails can break the skin, resulting in a secondary bacterial infection affecting the dog's outer ear.

Yeast and other fungal infections have a tendency to spread to other body parts. Since frequent itching is common in a dog with a fungal ear infection, the yeast infection is commonly transferred to the feet and face, therefore prompt treatment is key to avoid the spread of a yeast infection.

The most common treatment for a dog's fungal ear infection involves the use of ant-fungal drops or ointment, in conjunction with twice-daily cleanings of the dog's ears.

Home Treatment

There is no home treatment that can effectively heal a bacterial or fungal ear infection in a dog.

When a dog develops an ear infection, cleaning the dog's ears at least twice daily can help reduce the amount of irritation that results from the discharge can relieve some of the discomfort. And in the case of an itchy fungal infection, hydrocortisone cream can temporarily ease some of the itching until the dog can get into the veterinarian’s office. But these measures will not cure a dog's ear infection at home.

“Its vital that pet owners take ear infections seriously – they won’t go away on their own,” explained Dr. Levine, who concluded, “A severe ear infection can cause intense pain and discomfort, not to mention permanent hearing loss. Cleaning the dog's ears twice a week will keep the ears in good shape, while also providing the pet owner with an opportunity to catch any problems early on. Early treatment is the key.”

Looking for tips for cleaning a dog's ears? Check out How to Clean a Dog's Ears for advice and step-by-step directions on how to clean a dog's ears properly and without a struggle!

Copyright Mia Carter. 

Dog ear infection treatment

Dog ear infections are a common and frustrating cause of canine illness.  Treating ear infections requires the correct diagnosis from your vet, and thorough cleaning to ensure the medication can work correctly in the ear.  Dog ear infections need to be treated for at least several days after all symptoms of ear infection have resolved.

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Read a vet's secrets on Dog ear infection treatment

Article on dog ear treatment

Dog ear consists of three parts viz., the outer, middle and inner ear. Mostly the ear infection in dog occurs in the outer ear, which is curable. The dog ear infection is generally called as Otitis Externa. The main reason for doctors finding difficult to cure dog ear infection is the anatomy of the dog’s ear. Dog ears have a vertical and horizontal component to them, which made hard for anything to drain out including debris or water.

Causes for ear infection in dogs Although there are numerous reasons for dog ear infection, the first and foremost reason for ear infection is allergy. Some dogs are more receptive to allergies than others. If you’re allowing your dog to swim (Some owners allow swimming as dog sporting), you can expect the dog might go for infection in the ears. The main reason is that the entered water doesn’t have facility to get drained off due to the complex anatomy of dog’s ear. The presence water in the ear canal will facilitate the growth for yeast and bacteria. It is highly advisable to drain the ears of the water played dog completely to avoid the recurrent dog ear infection. Breeds with long ears that flap over the ear canal are more prone for otitis media than breeds with small canal.

Dog Ear Infection Symptoms Dog ear infection symptoms include a yeast like smell, yellow to brown exudates in the ears, or excessive head shaking. Sometimes the affected canine shows swelling and redness of the ear region. Dog Ear Infection Remedy The best dog ear infection remedy is proper cleaning of the dog’s ears prior to application of the medication. Cleaning can be effected by placing a few drops of an ear cleanser into the ear followed by massaging the ear in such a way that the debris in the ear gets loosened. Use cotton gauze or cloth to wipe the dirt out. After cleaning process, the medication should be applied into the ear as per the veterinarian’s advice. The dog ear infection treatment greatly depends upon the cause. Usually antibiotics are preferred for bacterial infection where as for yeast infection, antifungal is used. Most of the dogs with ear infection are treated with local application of eardrops only. But severe cases will be treated with oral pills. The dogs with recurrent occurrence of ear infection are usually treated after clipping the hair around the ear to help easy entry of air. Even some of the vets would suggest for ear surgery in extreme cases for facilitating easy drain of the ear canal. It is really easy to cure dog ear infection. But the recurrent of the condition is mostly noticed among the pets. Hence it is necessary to show your dog to the vet after fifteen days of the dog ear infection treatment.

Dog ear infection treatment

Treating dog ear infections comes down to correct diagnosis, cleaning the ear, treating the problem, then keeping the ear clean to prevent the problem in the future.

You need to take your dog to the vet first to diagnose the cause of the dog ear infection.  Sometimes, something else is going on, like a grass seed is in the dog's ear, so this step is vital.  Sometimes the ear canal may be ruptured which is a totally different situation requiring more aggressive, yet careful and long-term treatment.

 Next, the ear must be cleaned so any medication used is effective: antibiotics don't work if the ear is full of gunk.

Then the vet will likely prescribe an ear medication.  In most cases an ointment or drops with antibiotics, antifungals and antiinflammatories is selected.  In severe cases oral medications or injections may also be required.

Once the ear infection is under control, a long term treatment regime is instituted to help prevent ear infections recurring.

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preventing dog ear infections

Dog ear infections can drive a dog owner crazy!  It can seem like you just fix one dog ear infection and your dogs ears are getting itchy again.  If your dog keeps getting itchy, red, or painful ears, you need to learn how to prevent dog ear infections.  The first step is figuring out the cause of your dog's ear infections.  Most dog ear infections are caused by a few common problems.  The good news is, you can prevent infections occuring by removing the predisposing factors.  You can even treat ear infections at home once you have ruled out more serious causes of ear infections.

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Dog Ear Infections

Dog ear infections have many different causes.  Ear mite infections in dogs are one common cause of dog ear infections.

Dog ear mites are tiny parasites (smaller than you can see) which cause itching and irritation in your dogs ear, causing these symptoms of dog ear infections.  Ear mites are easy to treat, but getting the correct diagnosis from a dog vet and rruling out other causes of ear infections like yeast infections and bacterial infections is vital.  Remember early diagnosis and treatment of dog ear infections is the key to preventing complications.

Dog ear vet

Read about ear mites below

Ear Mites in Dogs 

What are Ear Mites?

As the name suggests, ear mites are a tiny spider like parasitic mite that infect the ears of dogs and cats.  They usually live in the ear canals but can live on other parts of the dog or cat's body. Ear mites are the most commoncause of ear infections seen by vets. They are more commonly found in cats than dogs but are a considerable cause of ear infection in dogs too.

Some breeds of dogs are more prone to ear mite infections that others, especially dogs with long floppy ears. The ear mites thrive in the warm moist area where the air flow is restricted.

Ear mites feed on epidermal debris & ear wax.  They burrow into the ear, causing inflammation which the body responds to by producing more wax. 

What are the Symptoms of Ear Mites in dogs?

Ear mites are terribly uncomfortable for your dog. Imagine how it would feel having thousands of little bugs running around in one of your most sensitive areas. Usually the first symptom you notice will be your dog scratching his ears or shaking his head due to the extreme itchiness that the mites cause. His ears may be painful to touch and he may cry in pain when you touch them or while he is scratching them. He may rub his face along the ground trying to relieve the itching. You may also notice a foul odor coming from the ears.

Dogs may cause damage by scratching causing the ears to bleed. They may also shake their ears with such intensity that small blood vessels are broken and hematomas form.

Diagnosis of Ear Mites

If you have a look inside the ear of an infected dog you will see dark reddish brown or black debris throughout the ear canal which has been described as looking like coffee grounds. Ear mites are visible to the naked eye and can be seen as white dots among the dark debris. You may even see them moving around.

Your vet will look in your dogs ear with a magnifying instrument called an otoscope and may inspect the debris from the ear under a microscope for a more definite diagnosis. Ear mite infections can be serious if left untreated resulting in damage to the ear canals and eardrums and leaving deformity of the ears and possible deafness.

Secondary bacterial or yeast infections are also common so it is important to consult your veterinarian. Your dog may require antibiotics for secondary bacterial infections.

Treatment of Ear Mites. How do I Get Rid Of Ear Mites?

You can purchase ear mite treatments from your pet supply store or your vet will prescribe an oily insecticide to clean the ear canals. It is important to clean out all the gunky black stuff from the ear canal daily. You can clean this with a thin cloth or cotton balls dipped in olive oil. (or any other vegetable oil) The medication should then be massaged deeply into the dog's ear taking care to get into all the nooks and crannies of the ear canal.This treatment should be continued for 2 weeks after the dog seems to be cured to ensure that all ear mites are killed as they progress through their life-cycle. 

 

Revolution is another option. It is a Parasiticide that is applied to the skin of dogs six weeks of age and older.  Revolution is used to prevent heartworm disease, kills adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching and treats and prevents ear mite infestation. It can be purchased from your vet, from a pet supply store and online.

 

Are Ear Mites Contagious?

Ear mites are very contagious and can be passed on from dog to dog or dog to cat so it is important to treat all of your pets at the same time.

Can Humans Catch Ear Mites?

No, humans are not affected by ear mites.

 

 

This article has not been written by a veterinarian & should not be considered a replacement for a veterinarian visit. The articles are provided for informative purposes only. While great care has been made in the creation of these articles, we cannot guarantee the accuracy or omissions on these pages. If in any doubt whatsoever, seek professional medical advice from your veterinarian.

Dog ear infection complications: ruptured tympanic membrane

Dog ear infections can be very severe if neglected or treated incorrectlly.  For this reason you should always take your dog to the vet to have his ear checked thoroughly.  In some severe dog ear infections the eardrum (tympanic membrane) can rupture, resulting in spread of the infection into the middle ear.  This sounds painful and messy: it is.

Here are some great photos of the difference between a normal and a ruptured ear drum from a case study by the University of Pennsylvania Vet School

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Walnut went for an ear flush guided by a video otoscope under general anesthesia 2 weeks later.  The picture below on the left is of her tympanic membrane, which was ruptured in both ears.  Compare it to a normal canine ear drum seen on the right.  Both ears were flushed, along with the tympanic bullae, and bilateral middle ear cultures were taken for culture and sensitivity testing.                                               Walnut's left tympanic membrane, ruptured due to severe otitis                                                           Normal canine tympanic membrane                                    externa leading to otitis media                             Future Treatment Plan: Continue oral antibiotics for an additional 8 weeks (change if necessary based on culture and sensitivity from the middle ear) combined with topical treatment of both ears .  If sensitivity reveals no effective oral antibiotic, treat via topical therapy alone for one month past resolution of external canal inflammation and negative cytology.  Click on the button below to see results of Culture and Sensitivitiy from the middle ear.                                                                                                Walnut was treated with oral marbofloxacin 5mg/kg SID (based on culture & sensitivity testing)  for 8 weeks post video otoscopic ear flush.  Her topical regimen included:                     Epiotic (acidifying/drying cleanser) - clean both ears every other day.                     Silver Sulfadiazine (1%) - apply 1cc to both ears twice daily.  Walnut's otitis required 4 total months of therapy for complete resolution.  At the end of treatment, Walnut's tympanic membranes had regenerated. Intradermal Allergy Testing (IDAT) was planned to definitively diagnose Atopy as the underlying cause of Walnut's dermatological problems. The test will be performed in October (end of pollen season) to maximize positive allergen reactions.

dog ear infections

Dog ear infections have many different causes and consequences, requiring different treatments.  Otitis externa (external ear infections) are most common.  If your dog is shaking his head or scratching his ears he may have a dog ear infection, and you should take him to see a vet to find the cause of the problem and get a suitable treatment.  

This video on otitis externa gives some vet advice on symptoms, diagnosis and treating ear infections.

Dog ear vet

Read more about treating dog ear infections.

dog ear infections

Dog ear infections have many different causes and consequences, requiring different treatments.  Otitis externa (external ear infections) are most common.  All dog ear infections should be investigated by a vet as these different types (each with many different causes) cannot be differentiated without veterinary expertise and equipment.

This video on otitis externa gives some good advice on symptoms, diagnosis and treating ear infections.

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Read more about treating dog ear infections.

http://www.videojug.com/film/ear-infections-in-dogs-and-cats-otitis-externa-025

diagnosing dog ear infections

Dog ear infections can have many different causes on consequences, often requiring different treatments.  Otitis externa (external ear infections) are most common, but otitis media (middle ear infections) and otitis interna (inner ear infections) also occur.  These latter two often result from chronic ear infections.  They are often much more difficult to diagnose and treat.  All dog ear infections should be investigated by a vet as these different types (each with many different causes) cannot be differentiated without veterinary expertise and equipment.

This article on diagnosing middle ear infections is technical as it is aimed at vets, but it gives some great photos of dogs with damaged and missing ear drums: a common finding in dogs with middle ear infections

Dog ear vet

Read more about diagnosing dog ear infections.

fungal dog ear infection

Dog ear infections can be caused by many bacteria, yeasts and fungi.  This video of aspergillus ear infection shows what the inside of the ear can look like: this would require long term treatment with anti-fungals to resolve.   Many dog ear infections will heal with cleaning and an appropriate ear ointment.  

Dog Ear Vet

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Dog ear infection: video

Dog ear infections can cause pain and long term damage.  Check out this VetVid video on dog ear infections for advice on testing, diagnosis and treatment for your pet.

Dog Ear Vet

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Dog ear infections: external, middle and internal ear infections.

Dog ear infections are categorised into three groups: external, middle and internal ear infections.  External dog ear infections (also called otitis externa) are the most common.  

This Information below explains the difference and gives some advice on management of chronic ear infections.

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Hills Pet Nutrition Client Information Series: Otitis Externa, Media, Interna

What You Should Know About Otitis Externa, Media, Interna

The ear is divided into four parts: the pinna, which is that part of the ear outside the head; the external ear canal; the

middle ear, which is found on the inside of the eardrum; and the inner ear, which consists of tubes and nerve structures

that transmit sound to the brain. The inner ear also helps control your pet’s balance.

Animals with droopy ears and a great deal of hair in the ear canal seem to have the most problems with ear

inflammations. These characteristics plus the warmth and enclosed nature of the ear canal provide an excellent

environment for infective agents that cause inflammation.

Causes

Bacteria, fungi, and ear mites are common causes of ear inflammation in dogs and cats. Allergies, seborrhea, an

underactive thyroid gland, trauma, foreign objects (plant seeds, for example), and tumors also cause ear inflammation.

Otitis Externa, Media, Interna

Your pet has an inflammation of the external, middle, or inner ear. Ear inflammations are common in pets

and have many causes. Most ear inflammations can be treated successfully and specifically with medications

after appropriate diagnostic tests are completed. Surgery may be necessary for advanced cases. This client

education sheet will help you learn more about these inflammations and will review your veterinarian’s

instructions for your pet’s care at home.

Otitis Externa, Media,

Interna

History

Physical examination

Ear examination

Ear cultures

Thyroid hormone levels

Intradermal skin testing

X-rays

Therapeutic trials with

insecticides and

hypoallergenic diets

Therapeutic Plan

Removal of ear-canal hair

Ear cleaning

Topical application of

antibacterials/corticosteroids

Systemic antibacterials

Systemic corticosteroids

Surgery

Nutritional Plan

Nutrition based on individual

patient evaluation including

body condition and other

organ system involvement or

disease

Otitis Interna

Neurologic changes

Head tilt and circling

Inflamed inner ear structures

Otitis Externa

Inflamed,

reddened ear

Otitis Media

Inflammatory exudates

in the tympanic bulla

Partial occlusion of the

ear canal due to cellular

hyperplasia

Inflammatory exudate

Osteomyelitis due to the

infectious process

Most cases of middle ear and inner ear inflammation are caused by bacteria that pass through a ruptured eardrum.

One cause of a ruptured eardrum is overzealous cleaning of the ear canal. Throat infections may also cause middle ear

inflammations.

Diagnosis

Examination of the ear canal and eardrum by your veterinarian with an instrument called an otoscope helps determine

the cause. If the ear is very painful, your pet may need to be sedated for a thorough exam. Other tests include

microscopic examination of earwax; ear cultures; thyroid hormone studies; x-rays; surgical biopsy; and therapeutic trials

with parasiticides and hypoallergenic diets.

Treatment and Home Care

Disease of the ear must be treated persistently and specifically. Specific therapy includes parasiticides for ear mites,

thyroid hormones for an inactive thyroid gland, antibiotics for infections, anti-inflammatory medication and hypoallergenic

diets for allergies, and removal of foreign bodies and tumors. In some cases, therapy may need to be continued for six

weeks or longer.

In most cases, the ear will need to be cleaned by your veterinarian and the hair from the ear canal removed before

therapy will be effective. The use of medications to dry the ears is helpful. Surgery may be necessary if the ear canals

are closed, if tumors are present, or if fluid is present in the middle ear.

Home care usually includes administering medications directly into the ear canal. These medications should be

instilled into your pet’s ear(s) according to your veterinarian’s instructions. Once instilled, the medication should be

massaged gently into the ear canal. If you cannot give medications as directed, call your veterinarian. Failure to properly

administer ear preparations could lead to chronic inflammation.

Nutritional Plan

If your pet has an ear inflammation, your veterinarian may suggest a dietary change. Animals with suspected

allergies to food that result in skin and ear disease may benefit from a fixed-formula dietary product formulated from

nutrients to which they normally are not exposed. Such foods include Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Canine and Feline d/d®

and z/d. If your pet has had surgery to correct chronic ear disease your veterinarian may recommend a diet with

increased levels of protein and energy to assist in your pet’s recovery. Such foods include Hill’s® Prescription Diet®

Canine and Feline p/d®.

Transitioning Food

Unless recommended otherwise by your veterinarian, gradually introduce any new food over a seven-day period. Mix

the new food with your pet’s former food, gradually increasing its proportion until only the new food is fed.

If your pet is one of the few that doesn’t readily accept a new food, try warming the canned food to body temperature,

hand feeding for the first few days, or mixing the dry food with warm water (wait ten minutes before serving). However, do

not add water to your cat’s food. Feed only the recommended diet. Do not feed additional salt or any snacks that may

contain sodium. Be patient but firm with your pet.

Presented as an educational service by

Home Care Instructions

Client’s Name: _________________________________________________________

Patient’s Name: _________________________________________________________

Medication(s): _________________________________________________________

Nutritional Recommendation: ___________________________________________________

Follow-Up Appointment: _______________________________________________________ (Hospital Stamp Area Above)

REGULAR VISITS WILL HELP OUR VETERINARY HEALTH CARE TEAM PROVIDE FOR YOUR PET’S BEST INTEREST.

©2004 Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.

®/™ Trademarks owned by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc.