Dog Ear Infections
In this article, we will discuss all about Dog Ear Infections, how they occur? how to diagnose and how to treat it.
Dogs with floppy ears, such as gorgeous Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds, are more vulnerable to ear infections. An estimated 20 percent of dogs suffer from ear disease, which can damage one or both ears. Fortunately, there are steps you may do to assist your dog’s seizures last less time and be less severe.
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| Dog ear infections |
Symptoms of Dog Ear Infections
Aside from a mucous or watery discharge in the ear canal and wax accumulation, some dogs exhibit no indications of ear infection. However, ear infections may be quite unpleasant, and infected dogs may display symptoms such as:
- Scratching
- Itchiness
- Swelling of the ear canal
- Odor
- Dark discharge
- Pain
- Crusting or scabs in the ears
- Head shaking
Causes of Ear Infections in Canines
The ear canal of a canine companion is more vertical than that of a human, resulting in an L-shape that aids in the retention of fluid in the ear. Dogs are more prone to ear infections as a result of this. Bacteria, yeast, or a combination of the two are the most prevalent causes of ear infections. Ear mites in puppies have the potential to be a cause of illness for them.
Ear infections can be caused by a number of different reasons, including the following:
- Excessive moisture
- Accumulation of wax
- Allergies
- Endocrine disorders
- Immune system disorders
- Overcleaning
Ear Infections in Dogs Require a Thorough Examination and Diagnosis
If your dog exhibits any of the typical signs of an ear infection, it is important that you take him to the veterinarian immediately. Treatment for your dog’s discomfort (these diseases may be terrible!) is critical, but it is also important in preventing the disease from spreading to the middle and inner ear. It is not recommended to treat ear infections at home.
You should be prepared to provide your veterinarian a thorough history of the problem. This is especially important if you are working with a new veterinarian or if you are dealing with a first-time illness. In order for your veterinarian to help you, you will need to provide the following information:
- Symptoms such as discomfort, swelling, discharge, and odor can continue for several weeks or even months after the first attack.
- When your canine friend develops allergies or any other underlying medical issues, you should see your veterinarian.
- Keep this in mind if your dog is on medication.
- What you’ve been giving your dog to eat.
- In terms of cleaning your dog’s ears, how often do you clean them and what materials do you use are important questions to ask.
- If the hair on your canine’s ears has been clipped or plucked, he or she will have an infection.
- Bathing, grooming, and swimming are only a few examples of modern recreational activities.
Previous ear infections in your dog: If your dog has had ear infections in the past, when did they occur and what treatments were used to treat them?
Following the collection of information regarding your dog’s medical history, your veterinarian will do a physical examination. A sedative may be prescribed by your veterinarian in extreme situations so that your dog may be examined thoroughly deep into the ear canal. Your veterinarian will do an examination of both ears, which may involve the following procedures:
- During a visual inspection, look for signs of redness, swelling, and discharge.
- Palpation of the ear to evaluate the intensity of the discomfort
- A microscope is used to analyze the samples taken by swabbing the inside of the ear.
- Ear samples are cultivated to determine their viability.
- It may be necessary to do biopsies or X-rays in severe or persistent conditions.
When it comes to treating dog ear infections, there are several options.
Your dog’s ears will be completely cleaned by your veterinarian, who will use a medicated ear cleaner. It’s possible that your veterinarian will advise you to perform an ear cleaning and administer a topical medication at home as well. When faced with a tough condition, your veterinarian may give oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.
Most uncomplicated ear infections may clear up within 1–2 weeks if the proper medication is begun right once. Severe illnesses or those caused by underlying disorders, on the other hand, might take months to heal or even evolve into chronic problems if not treated promptly. In situations of severe chronic illness where alternative therapies have failed, your veterinarian may prescribe surgery, such as a Total Ear Canal Ablation, to alleviate the symptoms (TECA). TECA surgery involves the removal of the ear canal, which eliminates damaged tissue and prevents infection from reoccurring.
It’s essential that you carefully follow your veterinarian’s advice and that you return to the veterinary hospital for any necessary follow-up appointments as recommended. An interruption in your dog’s treatment may result in another outbreak of the infection.. It is necessary to complete the whole course of therapy for your dog, even if it looks that he or she is progressing well. It is possible that failure to finish the entire course of therapy will result in problems such as resistant infections.