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OTITIS EXTERNA (EAR INFECTIONS)

Infection of the external ear canal (outer ear infection) is one of the most common types of infections seen in dogs. It is called otitis externa. Some breeds, particularly those with large, floppy or hairy ears like Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Poodles or Old English Sheepdogs, are more prone to ear infections, but ear infections may occur in any breed.

Ear infections are painful. Many dogs will shake their head and scratch their ears trying to get the debris and fluid out. The ears often become red and inflamed and develop an offensive odor. A black or yellowish discharge commonly occurs.

Ear mites can cause several of these symptoms, including a black discharge, scratching, and head shaking. However, ear mite infections occur most commonly in puppies and cats. Adult dogs may occasionally contract ear mites from puppies or cats that are infected. Ear mites will create an environment within the ear canal that often leads to a secondary bacterial and yeast (fungal) infection.

There are several kinds of bacteria and at least one type of fungus which commonly cause ear infections. Without knowing the kind of infection present, we do not know which medication to use. In some cases, the ear infection may be caused by a foreign body or tumor in the ear canal. Treatment with medication alone will not resolve these problems. It is important that your dog be examined to ensure that the eardrum is intact. Administration of certain medications can result in loss of hearing if the eardrum is ruptured. This can only be detected by a thorough ear examination by your veterinarian.

First, the ear canal is examined with an otoscope, an instrument that provides magnification and light. This examination allows your veterinarian to determine whether the eardrum is intact and if there is any foreign material in the canal. When a dog is in extreme pain and refuses to allow the examination, it may be necessary to sedate or anesthetize the dog for a thorough examination.

The next step is to examine a sample of the material from the ear canal under a microscope to determine the type of organism causing the infection. Microscopic examination is important in helping the veterinarian choose the right medication to treat the inflamed ear canal. Culture and sensitivity tests are often used in severe or chronic ear infections.

The results of the otoscopic and microscopic examination usually determine the diagnosis and course of treatment. If there is a foreign body, wax plug or parasite lodged in the ear canal, the dog is sedated for removal. Some dogs must be sedated to allow a thorough ear flushing and cleaning. Cytologic study of debris from the ear canal determines which drug to use. Many dogs will have more than one type of ear infection present (e.g., a bacterium and a fungus, or two kinds of bacteria). This situation usually requires the use of multiple medications or a broad-spectrum medication.

An important part of the evaluation of the patient is the identification of underlying disease. Many dogs with chronic or recurrent ear infections have allergies or low thyroid function (hypothyroidism). If underlying disease is suspected, it must be diagnosed and treated or the pet will continue to experience chronic ear problems.

Nearly all ear infections that are properly diagnosed and treated can be successfully managed. However, if an underlying cause remains unidentified and untreated, the outcome will be less favorable. Several examinations may be needed before the process is complete and we can expect ultimate success.

Dogs with ear infections are miserable. Their ears are a source of constant pain resulting in head shaking and scratching. Head shaking and scratching can also cause broken blood vessels in the ear flap called an ear hematoma, which requires surgical treatment. Chronic ear infections can penetrate the eardrum and result in an internal ear infection and permanent hearing loss.

Emergencies and First Aid

There are many possible medical emergencies that your pet may experience ranging from being struck by an automobile to acute internal problems such as an intestinal blockage. The following are some of the most common and serious conditions seen in veterinary hospitals that require immediate attention:

· Any severe difficulty in breathing or gasping for breath

· Cardiac failure

· Massive bleeding

· Profound shock from any cause

· Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions)

· Penetrating wounds of the thorax (chest) or abdomen

· Coma and loss of consciousness

· Poisoning

· Massive injuries to the body

· Seizures

· Burns and scalds

· Heat stroke

· Bites and fight wounds

· Continuous vomiting and/or diarrhea

What can I do while awaiting veterinary help?

Keep calm. This is important for both you and your pet. Contact your veterinary hospital, inform them of the situation and get first aid advice.

Keep your pet warm, as quiet as possible, and keep movement to a minimum, especially if there is possible trauma, broken limbs, or any neurological symptoms.

Obtain a suitable container such as a strong cardboard box. Drop a blanket or thick towel over the patient. Tuck it in carefully or maneuver the pet onto the blanket so it can be gently placed in the cardboard box or directly into your car.

Get to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible, but drive carefully!

Emergency Situation — Action

Automobile injury — Make sure your pet has a clear airway, but do not put your hand in its mouth if your pet is conscious. Cover wounds with whatever suitable material is available. Handle your pet with care, supporting its body as much as possible. Carry it in a basket, box, or cage to the veterinary hospital.

Bleeding (hemorrhage) — If hemorrhage is severe on a limb, apply a tourniquet above the wound just tight enough to significantly reduce flow of blood. Be sure to loosen it every twenty minutes. Apply a pad of cotton or wool over a gauze dressing to the wound or bleeding point and bandage it firmly and simply apply direct pressure while you seek veterinary care.

Seizures — Prevent your pet from injuring itself. Do not put your hand in its mouth. Keep your pet as quiet as possible and prevent it from falling. Do not attempt to interrupt the seizure. Most seizures last less than two to three minutes. If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes, you may need to transfer your pet during this state. Once your pet has recovered from the seizure, keep it calm and warm and comfort your pet by talking gently to it while petting.

Burns — Cool the burned area with cool water by running water over the burn or cover it with wet towels. This also helps remove caustic substances (acid or alkaline) if these are the cause. If loss of skin occurs, cover the area with the cleanest material available.

Heat stroke — Place your pet in a tub of cool water. When you are ready to transport your pet to the veterinary hospital, wrap it in a cool, wet towel.

Bites and fight wounds — Clean the wounds immediately with warm water and seek veterinary attention.

Poisons — If a product label is available see if there are first aid instructions, such as whether or not to induce vomiting. You can usually induce vomiting with 5 ml (one teaspoon) of hydrogen peroxide orally or a teaspoon of salt placed in mouth. Keep a sample of the vomit for testing. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING if your pet has ingested foreign objects (plastic wrapping, paper, etc.). If corrosive or toxic material is on the skin, rinse for fifteen minutes. Bring a sample of the suspected poison with its container to the veterinary hospital.

Eye injury — If the cornea is penetrated or perforated it will be very painful. Prevent your pet from scratching at its eye causing further damage. If the eyeball is out of its socket, keep it moist with saline solution (e.g. contact lens solution) and protect it from direct injury. Seek veterinary help immediately.

TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET... NO FUNNY TUMMIES

w Go through a few practice runs in the car, gradually increasing the distance each time.

w Since stressed animals can be prone to motion sickness, feed your pet only a small meal two to three hours before your trip.

w Talk to your veterinarian about remedies and plan a course of action that will help calm your pet and soothe his upset tummy.

w Don’t forget to put a few towels and other clean-up items in the car when you pack.

This site was last updated 08/19/08