Yeast Infection in Dog Ear

"Yeast infection in dog ear is the most common ear problem in dogs. Mild conditions can be treated with home ear cleaners with more severe or infected cases requiring a veterinarian. The condition is due to a food allergy reaction requiring a change in diet and possibly nutritional supplements."

Yeast infections (malassezia) are common in dogs who have allergies and is the most common ear problem seen by veterinarians. Dog ears contain mast cells, just like the mast cells contained in the respiratory systems of humans. These mast cells produce histamines, prostaglandins, and other inflammatory chemicals in response to allergens. These chemicals stimulate the ears to over-produce wax and other secretions. Skin bacteria thrive in the warm, gooey environment of these ears. Yeast spores are also attracted to the ears and begin to germinate.

Dogs with floppy ears are much more susceptible to yeast infection in dog ear than dogs with erect ears, because their ears provide a warm, dark place for yeast to grow.

Yeast infections (Malassezia otitis) may be the result of an adverse food reaction or as a reaction to ear mites. In middle age dogs, allergy (atopy) or a problem with the endocrine gland (endocrinopathy) should be considered as well as reactions to food.

Yeast Infection in Dog Ear Symptoms

Symptoms of yeast infection in dog ear include increased production of ear wax and other secretions. Ear wax may appear to be pinkish-brown and often the ear will have a bad smell.

You won�t be able to see it without magnification, but your vet will notice upon examination with a magnifying device that the ear tissue has changed to become thicker and spongier.

Your dog�s ears will itch. He will probably scratch or paw at them. He may also rub his nose with his paws, another a sign of allergies. Another sign of allergy is recurring ear infections during certain times of the year and no problems at other times.

Yeast Infection in Dog Ear Diagnosis

Your veterinarian may suspect a yeast infection based on the amount and color of the ear wax and other secretions. They will look at the ear tissue of your dog when examined with a magnifying device. An ear wax sample will be taken with a swab for examination under a microscope.

The testing process will allow your veterinarian to rule out other types of infections. Secretions collected will be cultured for yeast, a test that takes 10 � 14 days in order for a diagnosis to be made. In the meantime, your vet will probably go ahead and begin treatment for a yeast infection.

Yeast Infection in Dog Ear Treatment

Yeast infection in dog ear is treated first by cleaning out the ears with a gentle cleansing solution. When using a ear cleansing solution or wash a few drops should be applied to the inside of the ear flap and then the tip of the ear wash bottle should be inserted a few millimeters into the ear canal. Do not tightly force the tip of the bottle into the ear canal as forceful squeezing of the bottle with the bottle wedged into the ear canal could rupture the ear drum.

Most Dogs will shake their head after the wash is inserted into the ear, shaking out much of the solution. massaging the wash solution into the dogs ear. A tip is to massage the base of the ear which distributes the wash throughout the ear canal.

They are then treated with a medicated solution such as chlorhexidine. This will kill the yeast. Oral antibiotics are generally given at the same time. These will not help with the yeast infection, but there is often a bacterial infection present along with the yeast infection. Ear cleaning solutions are sold over the counter. Antibiotic ear ointments are only available with a prescription.

To control the inflammation and itching, an antihistamine such as benadryl may be recommended. Alternatively, a steroid such as prednisone may be prescribed, particularly in severe cases.

Since yeast infections are often related to allergies, the allergen(s) must be identified and dealt with. Often it is a food allergy. Switching your dog to a special diet for allergic dogs may help. Iams makes a lamb and rice food especially for dogs with allergy problems. Hills Science Diet has a formula for allergic dogs as well.

Treating a yeast infection can take up to three weeks, and if allergies are the main cause and if they are not dealt with, the infection usually returns. Talk to your vet about allergies and your dog.

Home Remedies Dog Ear Yeast Infection

Home use of an acetic acid/boric acid solution (Malacetic Otic, DermaPet) can be effective in treating yeast infection. The ear cleaner or flush is used daily for 7-10 days by filling the ear canal to overflowing, massaging the base of the ear, and allowing the solution to remain in the ear canal for 5 minutes. Loosened debris is wiped off of the concave pinnal surface with a dry cotton ball. This procedure is repeated once daily. When the ear canal is clean, the cotton ball will remain fairly white when the solution is wiped away. At that time, home ear cleaning is reduced to once weekly.

If the problem happens often, you might want to consider a dietary supplement designed for ear conditions. Dog ears contain wax and a variety of flora (e.g. yeast and certain bacteria). This can be healthy and helps to keep ears clean and free of infection. Herbal products help to maintain the natural balance of flora and healthy organisms in the ear. A solution worth trying are ear drops made by Pet Alive Ear Dr. which contains a blend of herbs selected for ear health.

Sources

Examining and Medicating the Ears of a Dog
Washington State University
College of Veterinary Medicine

animaldoctor.homestead.com/ears

www.healthypet.com

Diseases of the Outer Ear
Haar, G. Ter DVM

Brevitz, Betsy
Hound Health

Malassezia Otitis Externa - Etiology and Treatment
L.N. Gotthelf
Animal Hospital of Montgomery, Montgomery, AL, USA.

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