Otitis - Ear Infections

Ear Infections are one of the most common problems submitted to pet insurances every year. Dogs and cats typically get otitis externa, which is an inflammation of the ear canal rather than a middle ear infection (common in people).

• Causes: foreign bodies in the ear canal, parasites, yeast or a bacterial infection, allergies, moisture from swimming and pharyngeal polyps in cats.

• Symptoms: head shaking, pawing at head, scratching, reddish brown build up of ear wax, yellow crusty build up, thickening of skin, and odor.

• Diagnosis: Otoscopic exam by a veterinarian and a swab from each ear for cytology. History is extremely important. Your veterinarian needs to know if your pet has been in water recently, history of allergy issues, exposure to food change, or any change that may be affecting your dog and cat.

• Treatment: Main issue is to keep ears clean. Dogs and cats have a vertical and horizontal ear canal. This can make is a bit more challenging.

• Proper Ear Cleaning: In acute issues this can be straightforward but if this is a chronic problem with your pet thickening of the canal can cause additional hurdles. Get a good ear cleaner. You want a water based solution. Ear cleaners are designed to be acidic but gentle. Do not use alcohol or peroxide. You will also need cotton balls and a helper if possible. Soak the cotton balls with cleaner. Place cotton ball in ear and start massaging. This will gently drip the cleaner into the canal. Idea is to fill up the ear canal gently. With larger ears may need to actually gently fill canal with the solution before the cotton balls. Massage the ears with the solution. Then use the cotton balls to gently remove debris and wax from the canal. You should get into a regimen with cleaning daily, weekly, or bimonthly depending on lifestyle and current problems.

• Medical therapy may be necessary if an infection is present. This can be done with a topical ointment. Sometimes oral medication including antibiotics, steroids, or antihistamines may be needed. Food trials and allergy testing are also sometimes warranted. In extreme cases surgery may be discussed.

If you have any question that an infection may be present please see your veterinarian. If the ear drum is ruptured there are additional precautions needed.