Dog Ear Illnesses"Dog Ear Illnesses have many causes including bacteria, fungus, wax and mites. Treatment is usually with select drops and antibiotics." There are two main types of dog ear illnesses: infections of the outer ear (otitis externa) and infections of the middle ear (otitis media). Most ear illnesses begin in the outer ear and are caused by either a bacterial or a fungal infection. Often only one ear is affected. Infections may spread from the outer ear into the middle ear. Improper cleaning or foreign bodies in the ear may rupture the ear drum, also spreading infection to the middle ear. Ear infections may also be caused by ear mites (Otodectes cynotis). Ear mites, when present, are generally present in both ears. They are easier to treat than many other types of infections. A single cleaning with a medicated solution often does the trick. If you dog has mites, be sure to clean the area he or she lives in with a miticide such as Benzarid. Some dogs are more susceptible to ear illnesses than others. Dogs with pendulous ears, such as basset hounds and cocker spaniels, are more likely to get ear infections. So are dogs with hairy inner ear flaps, such as miniature poodles and schnauzers. That’s because dense, matted hair in the ears can lead to infections. Dog Ear Illnesses SymptomsSymptoms of dog ear illnesses include red and inflamed ears, waxy build up in the ears, discharge from the ears, and a foul odor from the ears. Your dog may also shake his head or scratch at his ears frequently. In cases of severe infection, your dog may have difficulty hearing.Causes of Dog Ear IllnessesCanine Atopy: Hypersensitivity to aeroallergens such as pollens, house dust mites, or mold spores. Allergy related problems could vary with the change in seasons.Picture of Dog Ear Atopy
Otodectes cynotis infestation: Looks like coffee grounds in the ears and is caused by mites Foreign Bodies caught in the ear: During the spring and summar grass seedds are a common cause, particularly in breeds with longer hair around the ears. Scabies: a highly contagious disease caused by Sarcoptes scabiei var.canis in dogs also known as parasites or mites) Picture of Dog Scabies in the Ear
Adverse reaction to Food: may or may not be allergic; commonly a reaction against a protein, rarely an additive; clinically indistinguishable from atopy Hyperadrenocorticism (spontaneous or idiopathic): The spontaneous form is an excessive production of glucocorticoids either due to a microadenoma (small tumor) or macroadenoma (large tumor) of the pituitary gland or due to adrenocortical neoplasms (non cancerous tumor that forms from the cells lining the outside of a tumor Pemphigus foliaceus (immune-mediated skin disease): causes blistering of the skin Picture of Pemphigus Foliaceus in Dog Ear
Dog Neoplasia: Abnormal proliferation of cells in the ear. Hypothyroidism: caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone. Idiopathic seborrhea: Excessive was formation Dog Ear Illnesses DiagnosisDiagnosing dog ear illnesses requires a simple examination of the ear. Your veterinarian will look for signs of infection in your dog’s ears. An instrument called an otoscope helps to visualize the ear drum and see if it is intact. A cotton swab is used to remove waxy build up or discharge from your dog’s ears and examine it under a microscope to determine the type of infection.Dog Ear Illnesses TreatmentYour vet will probably prescribe an antibiotic such as amoxicillin to treat your dog’s ear infection. Usually these are to be given twice a day for fourteen days. Give your dog the full course of antibiotics, even if the infection seems to clear up sooner.Keep your dog’s ears clean. Your vet will recommend a cleaning solution and show you the proper way to clean your dog’s ears. You will probably need to clean his ears daily until the infection is cleared up. You may also need to administer medicated ear drops as part of his complete treatment. If your dog’s ear drum has ruptured, surgery may be required. Your vet will explain how to care for your dog’s ear following the surgery. For persistent ear problems that occur regularly you may want to try a supplement designed for ear health such as Pet Alive Ear Dr. for dog ear mites and ear infections. Also Omega 3 dietary supplements (from fish oil) are considered by many to be effective such as eVitamins Omega 3 by Nordic Naturals. Sourceswww.thepetcenter.comwww.healthypet.com Diseases of the Outer Ear Haar, G. Ter DVM The Patient with Otitis Externa R. S. Mueller Department of Clinical Sciences Coll. of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA. |
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