Otitis externa is the general name used to describe an infection of
the outer ear. Infections caused by yeast or bacteria are one of the
most common problems in dogs. Ear mites can also lead to a secondary
infection, especially in young puppies. Foreign objects (such as
grass seeds) that lodge within the ear canal can cause irritation
and damage that will also lead to otitis.
Breeds with large or especially hairy ears seem more prone to ear
infections, but they can happen to any dog at any age.
What are the signs?
Ear infections are very painful, often with the ear canals very
inflamed and sensitive. Dogs will regularly shake their heads,
scratch their ears to try and remove debris and discharge. Affected
dogs will often cry out when patted on the head. The ears themselves
will often become very red, inflamed and smell. A discharge may be
present and can be either dark browny red or yelowish cream.
Different bacteria and yeasts will cause different signs, so not all
ear infections look and respond the same.
What can I do?
Most ear infections will not clear up by themselves. In long term
infections the external ear canal will thicken and discharge may not
be able to reach the surface. This moist, warm environment is a
breeding ground for yeast and bacteria and will often lead to the
infection travelling inwards towards the ear drum. In severe cases
the ear drum can be ruptured.
If an ear infection is secondary to a foreign object within the ear
canal, the infection will not resolve until the object is removed.
Both ears need to be checked by a vet.
What will the vet do?
The ear canal needs to be examined. The degree of inflammation,
amount of discharge, presence of a foreign body and whether the ear
drum is intact need to be assessed.
If the ear is very inflamed and sore, this may need to be done under
sedation or after anti-inflammatory treatment.
In the majority of cases a swab will be taken and a sample taken for
microscopy. This allows the vet to find out what organisms are
present in the ear at that time; yeast or bacteria or both. If
certain types of bacteria are present, it can be important for the
vet to send a sample for culture and sensitivity, to determine the
best treatment.
Sometimes there are underlying causes for ear infections such as
skin allergies. These need to be investigated as sometimes dogs will
respond well to treatment but then have recurring episodes.
Home prevention.
Prevention of ear infections is difficult, but there are ways to
minimise their impact on your pet. Regular use of a cleaning
solution to stop the build up of wax and debris can be effective at
taking away the environment where yeast and bacteria can multiply at
will. The removal of excessive hair from around and within the ear
canal can also play an important role, especially in dusty
environments.
