Ear infections are a very common disease of both dogs and cats. Infections can occur in the outer part of the ear canal (otitis externa), the middle ear (otitis media), or the inner ear (otitis interna).
External ear infections can be sudden or chronic. Both conditions cause alterations in the normal environment of the ear canal. The changes cause damage to the lining of the ear canal producing excessive wax, thickening of the lining of the ear canal, and scarring of the ear canal. As the condition becomes more chronic, the canal becomes reduced in size and becomes calcified. Once the ear canal is calcified, this condition may only be resolved by surgical intervention.
Ear infections of the middle ear are often an extension of the outer ear. The ear drum is usually ruptured at this time. Other causes of middle ear infections are polyps and cancer.
Signs of otitis externa are head shaking, redness of the ear, excess wax, malodor, itching, pain and head tilt. Some dogs show discomfort around their ears by scratching, rubbing their ears on the floor or furniture, or by shaking their head. If the infection reaches the middle ear, affected animals may have a head tilt, a lack of balance, and unusual eye movements (nystagmus). Chronic ear infections results in rupture of the ear drum in approximately 70% of the cases involved.
Causes of ear infections include ear mites , allergies (especially in reoccurring cases), yeast infection, autoimmune disease, foreign bodies (such as foxtails), obstruction due to cancer, polyps, and excessive hair (common in poodles and schnauzers). Disease of the ear usually stems from over-production of wax as occurs in response to irritation. The moisture of the wax promotes bacterial growth and infection. Soon wax in ears is joined by purulent discharge. Factors that perpetuate ear infections are bacterial infections, yeast infections, and fungal infections. Excessive moisture from swimming can also produce ear infections.
Although any dog or cat can get an ear infection, some breeds appear to be more prone than others. Dogs with pendulous ears, like Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds, or dogs with hairy inner ear flaps, like Miniature Poodles and Schnauzers, tend to have a higher occurrence of ear infections. In cats, the Persian breed seems to be more prone to such infections.
Most ear infections are cleared up simply with professional cleaning followed by medication at home. If only mild debris is present in the ear canals, simple disinfection and washing of the ear is adequate. However, a full ear flush under anesthesia may be needed to examine the ear drum and remove the debris. For patient comfort, we recommend sedation or anesthesia as the ears may be painful and irritated and the instruments can be damaging if the pet moves during the examination or treatment process.
During this process the hair is plucked from the ear canal and shaved around the ears. Some pets have a large amount of hair in their ear canals. This hair is removed to facilitate cleaning and to let air circulate into the ear canal. This should be done routinely, which for most dogs is once monthly.
This dog’s is typical of a pet that needs the hair removed from its ears and a thorough cleaning.
This is the same ear after plucking the hair inside the ear canal, shaving around the ear, and flushing the ear canal.
Finally, the ears are flushed using an otic solution to break up debris, and any wax, bacteria, or discharge is removed from the ear canal using special cotton-tipped applicators. The ears are examined using an otoscope or Med-Rx videoscope to make sure all of the debris has been removed, and the patient is awakened from anesthesia.
After the ear flush, your veterinarian will routinely prescribe two medications. The first is used to gently clean the ear canal and remove debris and infection. The second medication is a combination preparation that kills either bacteria, fungi, or parasites. These medications usually contain an anti-inflammatory preparation to soothe the ear also. Your veterinarian may also prescribe oral medication (antibiotics) to clear up the infection and to decrease the inflammation in the ear canal. At home care should include once or twice a week ear cleanings to prevent recurrence of ear infections.
Some dogs have chronic ear problems (the infection is not controlled by general medication or returns when general medication is discontinued). In these cases, the ear discharge should be cultured so that the precise organism can be determined and treated specifically. Regular treatment at home with disinfecting ear washes should become part of the pet's grooming routine. Further testing may be required to determine why the infection continues to recur. Allergy is the most common reason for recurrent ear problems. If food allergy is suspected a diet change may be recommended.
Depending on the severity of the problem, the vertical canal may need to be opened surgically. This enables debris to be removed more effectively. This is done to prevent severe scarring after prolonged specific medical therapy has been ineffective.
If the canal becomes so scarred that it is practically closed, "ablation" may be the final option. In this surgical procedure the entire ear canal is removed and healthy tissue is allowed to regrow. These procedures are "last resorts" after severe infection has made effective medical treatment impossible.
This ear has had recurring ear infections for so long that the external ear canal is closed. The canal is swollen shut and infected. The only remedy is surgical correction.
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