Ear inflammation is one of the most prevalent medical problems among dogs, but with preventative care, you can protect your dog's ears from disease.
How to Prevent Ear Disease
The best way to prevent ear problems is to keep the ears clean. Regular weekly cleanings should prevent buildup, but if significant debris has already accumulated, ears may need to be cleaned more often at first. A small amount of wax isn't a problem, but if the ears look abnormal, smell bad or seem to hurt, veterinary attention should be sought immediately. Clipping excess hair around the ears may also help, because this allows more air to reach the ear.
Cleaning Your Dog's Ears
A dog's ears are very delicate, and cleaning should be done carefully to prevent damage. Start by filling the ear canal with ear cleaner, preferably one that is slightly acidic. To loosen any debris that has built up, rub near the base of the ear for approximately 30 seconds. Then take a cotton ball, paper towel or piece of gauze and clean out the inside of the ear. This may need to be repeated several times until all of the buildup is removed. A cotton swab can be used to clean the outer part of the ear, but should not be used in the ear canal. Cotton swabs can push buildup farther down in the ear if used in the canal, and could even rupture the ear drum if inserted too far or if the dog moves while the swab is being used. To be safe, clean only the parts of the ear that are visible.
Symptoms of Ear Disease
Ear disease manifests itself in several ways, ranging from physical changes to changes in mood. The most common symptoms are:
--discharge from the ears
--a strong, unpleasant odor
--dark, dry debris in the ears
--red or swollen ears
--shaking or tilting the head
--scratching or rubbing the ears or head
--painful ears
--behavioral changes like irritability or depression
If any of these symptoms are noticed, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible. Ear problems can have a variety of causes, and testing may need to be done to determine the exact cause and appropriate course of treatment.
Causes of Ear Disease
Ear problems can develop for a variety of reasons, ranging from the routine and easy-to-treat to more serious problems requiring immediate care. Ear disease can be caused by allergies, parasites, microorganisms, foreign objects, trauma, hormonal imbalances, immune problems, genetic conditions, tumors or even the structure of the ear itself.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Ear Disease
A thorough examination must be performed to diagnose the cause of ear problems. A veterinarian will usually look into the ear to determine how inflamed it is, how much of the ear is affected and if there are any underlying causes like tumors or foreign objects in the ear. Additional testing may be necessary to check for bacteria, yeast or parasites. The vet will likely also want a detailed medical history to determine if the cause could be due to allergies, hormonal problems or hereditary factors.
Treatment will vary based on the cause of the problem. The standard treatment for allergies is regular ear cleaning using an ear cleaning solution, and perhaps antihistamines or supplements. Medication may be needed, in the form of oral, injected or topically administered corticosteroids. Antibiotics will likely be used if the cause is a bacterial infection, in addition to anti-inflammatory medications. Infections can spread to the middle- and inner-ear and cause complications, so immediate treatment will be necessary. Yeast is more difficult to treat, requiring an anti-fungal medication and possibly an anti-inflammatory as well. Ear mites require a special medication that may need to be given for several weeks to completely remedy the problem. If the dog has a hormonal imbalance, hormone replacement therapy may be necessary.
Ear problems are usually minor, requiring only cleaning or short-term medication to correct. However, if left untreated, ear infections can spread throughout the ear and lead to more serious problems requiring extensive treatment. In addition, seemingly minor ear problems could be a symptom of something much more severe, such as trauma or a tumor. A prompt and thorough medical examination is the best way to detect underlying causes and prevent minor problems from developing into something more serious. Fortunately, ear problems are usually easily treatable, and if you clean your dog's ears regularly and watch for any abnormalities, you should be able to prevent complications and keep your canine companion happy and healthy.
