Veterinary Services |Ear Infections Care
Ear infections of the external ear (otitis externa) are very common in dogs, although less common in cats. Often there is an infection present. Although any dog or cat can get an ear infection, some breeds appear to be more prone than others. Dogs with pendulous ears, like Labrador Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds, or dogs with hairy inner ear flaps, like Miniature Poodles and Schnauzers, tend to have a higher occurrence of ear infections. In cats, the Persian breed seems to be more prone to such infections.
Even though there are many underlying causes of otitis, most cases respond quickly to treatment especially if the initiating cause is addressed. The sooner we see the pet with otitis, the easier the treatment may be. Ear infections are very uncomfortable for your pet. Once your dog exhibits symptoms of otitis, please give us a call.
Symptoms of otitis include:
- Odor or discharge from the ear
- Scratching or shaking of the head or ears
- Soreness
- Swelling of the ear flap
Otitis has many initiating causes such as flea allergies, pollen or house dust allergies, ear mites, foreign bodies, hormone imbalances, anatomical abnormalities (i.e., excessive hair in the ears, floppy ears or polyps/tumors in the ears) and water getting in the ears. Yeast or bacterial infection will complicate otitis; however, these germs do not start an ear problem.
