What is otitis externa?
Otitis externa is inflammation of the ear canal. There is usually, but not always, infection involved in the problem. The infection is usually a secondary problem, but the infection makes the problem worse by worsening the inflammation.
What are the signs of ear infections in dogs?
Dogs with inflamed or infected ears usually shake their head and scratch at their ears.
They may also rub their ears on the ground and show signs of pain when touched near the ears.
Dogs with chronic ear infections may have varying degrees of deafness.
What are ear mites?
As their name suggests, ear mite lives in the ear canals of dogs and cats. They cause
irritation and typically a black discharge with more than one bacteria or yeast.
What examinations are needed?
Firstly, the ear flap and surrounding skin is examined visually. Then the ear canal is
examined with an otoscope which gives light and magnification for the examiner. This
allows us to check for foreign bodies, masses and discharge deep in the ear canal and to see if the ear drum is intact. When a dogs ears are extremely painful it may be necessary to sedate or anaesthetize them to examine the ear fully.
Secondly, a sample of the material in the ear canal is stained and examined under the
microscope. This allows the number and type of organisms present to be determined. It is important to know what bacteria and yeasts are present so the correct medication to treat the infection can be chosen.
Thirdly, if an infection is resistant to treatment, samples may need to be sent to a
veterinary pathologist for further testing to identify the organism involved and the best
antibiotic to treat the infection.
Are any other examinations necessary?
Yes. Dogs ears do not normally become infected unless there is an underlying problem.
Unless the underlying problem is found, treating the infected ear will not work or will only provide temporary relief.
What are the underling problems which can lead to ear infections?
There is a long list of factors which can predispose to ear infections, including:
Hair in the ear canals. This is common in certain breeds such as Poodles, Bichon Frise, Old English Sheepdogs etc
Pendulous (floppy) ears. This is common in breeds such as spaniels and Golden Retrievers
Twisted, tortuous ear canals in breeds such as Shar Peis and Pugs
Skin allergies
Moisture in the ear canals, due to swimming, bathing or even humid weather
Thickening and narrowing of the ear canals due to previous or long standing ear infections
Parasites such as ear mites
Foreign bodies such as grass seeds
Inner ear infections
Low thyroid function
Unless underlying problems are identified and treated, treatment will fail.
How are ear infections treated?
If there is discharge in the ear canal it will need to be removed. We have an Auriflush
machine which gently cleans the ear canals with warm water and a gentle antibacterial cleansing solution.
If there is a lot of hair in the ear canals, it will need to be removed by plucking. Sedation may be needed for this if the ears are very painful.
Further treatment is guided by the results of the examinations and tests.
Antibiotic ear drops are usually prescribed. The choice of which antibiotic to use is
guided by the results of the microscopic examination.
The ears may need to be cleaned on a regular basis at home as part of the treatment.
Antibiotics may also be needed if the middle ear is infected.
It is also essential that any underlying disease processes are treated, otherwise the ear infection will not respond to treatment or will return after treatment is completed.
Can ear infections be cured?
Ear infections can usually be cured provided they are treated properly and any underlying problems are identified and treated.
A veterinary inspection of the ears is essential after treatment is stopped to make sure the infection is under control.
How important is it to treat an ear infection?
It is important to treat ear infections early. They can cause severe discomfort, with
constant head shaking and scratching.
The shaking and scratching can cause burst blood vessels in the ear flap, which needs to be treated surgically.
Long standing or severe ear infections can cause the ear drum to rupture, causing middle and inner ear infections leading to severe pain, dizziness and deafness.
What about ear surgery?
Sometimes ear surgery is needed for chronically infected ears. This can involve removing some of the wall of the ear canal to allow secretions to drain out and air to circulate.
Early treatment is essential to prevent infected ears getting to the stage where they need surgery.
Can ear infections be prevented?
There are several things which can be done to help prevent ear infections, including:
Regular plucking hair from the ears
Regularly cleaning the ear canals
Avoiding getting water in the ears
Checking the ears regularly for signs of redness, swelling, discharge or foreign material
Getting early veterinary attention for any ear or skin problems
How should ear drops be used?
Ear drops usually need to be instilled twice daily.
It is important to get the drops deep into the ear canal. The dogs ear canal is L shaped, with a vertical part connecting to the outside of the ear, and a horizontal part which ends at the ear drum.
Follow these steps to get the drops into both the vertical and horizontal parts of the canal:
Gently hold the ear flap up with one hand
Squeeze the drops into the vertical part of the ear canal
Massage the ear canal below the ear. You should hear a squishing sound. If you dont hear this sound, you are either massaging the wrong spot or need to use more ear drops
Clear the opening of the ear canal and the inside of the ear flap with a small amount of the medication on some cotton wool
Let your dog shake its head. Ear drops at made to be thick so they dont get shaken out
How can I clean my dogs ears?
To make ear cleaning an easier procedure the following steps should be used:
Warm the ear cleaner to 'skin temperature' by placing the cleaner in your pocket for 5-10 minutes prior to administration.
Try and make the experience enjoyable. Pat your dog, give a treat or play a game after every treatment is finished. Do not try and hold the your dog by the sore ear. If they struggle, do not persist but wait until you have a better grip can be obtained or a second person can help.
Once they are adequately restrained grasp the ear tip and look for the opening of the ear canal. Squeeze the ear cleaner into the opening.
Hold the ear and gently move it to straighten the angle of the ear canal and assist the fluid to run deep into the ear canal. Ear cleaners should be administered until the liquid just starts to spill out of the ear canal. At this point a small amount of cotton wool can be placed in the ear canal opening to prevent the ear cleaner being shaken out everywhere.
Massage the ear gently for 1-2 minutes. You should hear the medication 'squish' in the ear.
Remove the cotton wool if it has been used and let the pet shake the solution from the ear. Do not perform this procedure inside as it will go everywhere.
Gently wipe away excess wax and medication from the outside of the ear but DO NOT poke anything, including cotton buds, into the ear canal.
