Otitis Externa of Dogs and Cats (Ear Infection)
Otitis Externa of Dogs and Cats: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Otitis externa is a common clinical condition in cats and dogs generally characterized by inflammation of the external ear canal. It may be caused by a variety of factors, including excess moisture, ear mites, and underlying skin conditions like allergies or atopic dermatitis. If your pet is acting like its ears are bothering it, seek immediate attention from your veterinarian to prevent complications such as infection or hearing loss.
The general anatomy of the ear canal is as follows:
Common Causes of Otitis Externa in Pets
Otitis externa can result from a variety of triggers:
- Excess humidity or water trapped in the ear canal-from bathing or swimming
- Ear mites, which are a common parasitic cause of ear infections
- Allergies, including food allergies or environmental allergens
- Atopic dermatitis, a generalized skin condition that can affect the ears
- Bacterial or fungal infections that develop secondary to inflammation
Symptoms of Otitis Externa in Pets
The clinical signs of otitis externa may vary, but common symptoms include:
- Redness in the ear flap or ear canal
- Itching or scratching around the ears
- Head shaking or tilting the head to one side
- Odor coming from the ear
- Excessive ear discharge (including dark or foul-smelling discharge)
- Pain when touching or cleaning the ear
While a little light brown ear wax is normal when cleaning ears, large amounts of discharge in both the horizontal and vertical canals are usually indicative of an underlying problem. The flap and skin covering the ear may become irritated and red, and may even be injured by the animal due to discomfort.
How Vets Diagnose and Treat Otitis Externa
Treating ear infections requires a proper examination of pets for them to be able to find the cause of the inflammation. Your veterinarian is likely to do the following:
- Looking into the ear canal with an otoscope-a handheld instrument that allows examiners to view the health of the ear canal and drum.
- Smearing the ear discharge to be studied under a microscope in order to pinpoint the parasite, like ear mites, or a microorganism like bacteria and yeast.
In cases of severe inflammation, there is often a need for sedation to conduct a more thorough examination of the ears, as well as the condition of the eardrum. Sedation also enables cleaning of the ear canal properly, an essential process for effective treatment.
In some cases, if the eardrum has ruptured due to a particularly severe infection, there is a need for special cleansers of the ear and medications that will prevent further damage and lower the risk of deafness.
Treatment Options for Ear Infections in Pets
The course of treatment for otitis externa is based on the underlying cause of the infection. Common treatments include the following:
- Topical medications: For bacterial and yeast infections, your veterinarian will prescribe an appropriate topical antibiotic or antifungal ointment to treat the infection.
- Oral anti-inflammatory medications: If the ear is swollen, painful, or inflamed, oral anti-inflammatories can ease this pain and facilitate ear cleaning.
- Cleaning of the ear canal: This is usually done daily to remove accrued discharge that prevents topical medication from reaching the site of infection.
- Medications for ear mites: Topical anti-parasitic prescribed by your vet will be prescribed if the problem is caused by ear mites. As ear mites are contagious, pets living together need to be treated when there's an active infection in any of them.
Managing Recurring Ear Infections and Underlying Allergies
If your pet has recurring ear infections, or a skin condition of some sort, further tests may be required. Possible tests to identify allergies include:
- Elimination diet trials to identify food sensitivities
- Blood or skin tests to check for environmental allergens
Addressing the allergy will help prevent future ear infections, and improve the general health of your pet.
Why Choose Vet Central for the Treatment of Ear Infections?
If your pet is experiencing any of the symptoms above, contact us to schedule an appointment.