|
Ear Infections In Dogs |
|
|
Infection of the ear canal (outer ear) is one of the most common infections seen in dogs. Breeds with large hairy ears, such as Cocker Spaniels, are particularly prone to developing ear infections.
What Are The Symptoms?
The first sign is usually discomfort which manifests as head shaking,
ear scratching or head tilting. There may be a black or yellow
discharge, offensive odour and the outer canal often becomes red and
inflamed.
What Are The Causes?
Ear infections are most commonly caused by bacteria, yeast (fungi) or
ear mites; these infections may be primary or secondary. Other causes
are foreign bodies (e.g. grass awns) or tumors in the canal.
How Is It Diagnosed?
The dog’s ear canal must first be examined with an otoscope to ensure
the eardrum is intact- administration of some medications can cause
hearing loss if the eardrum is ruptured. Sedation or anesthesia is
sometimes required for this procedure. Material from the ear canal can
be examined under a microscope to determine which organism is
responsible, or further bacteriological examination may be required.
The canal may need to be cleansed thoroughly to allow visualisation if
there is heavy debris build up.
How Is It Treated?
The results of direct examination and/or bacteriology usually determine
the course of treatment. Most ear infections are treated by instilling
medication directly into the ear canal- occasionally oral antibiotics
(tablets) are required. The technique for instilling ear drops can be
demonstrated at the time of consultation. Long term regular cleaning of
the ear canals may be suggested to reduce the incidence of infections.
What Is The Prognosis?
Most ear infections, if diagnosed and treated properly, can be cured-
however several examinations and a long course of treatment may be
required in some cases. Chronic ear infections (e.g. such as in dogs
with allergies) may cause almost complete closure of the ear canal-
certain medications can help shrink the swollen tissue, however some
cases eventually require surgery.
Dogs with ear infections are often miserable. It is important to seek
veterinary attention at the first sign of a problem. Untreated ear
infections can lead to aural haematomas (requiring surgery) or internal
ear infections if the ear drum is penetrated. If you have any queries
please phone Riverside Pets N Vets.
|
|
Online Shop
You can now shop at Pets N Vets online! Click here to enter
Practice Information
Select a practice below
Contact Us
Ph: 0800 PETS N VETS
(0800 738 768)
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
join our facebook page for weekly specials and events
Pets n Vets New Zealand
or search facebook/
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Our ClinicsOur clinics have surgical, x ray, dental and consultancy services,
specialized equipment includes ultrasound, ECG, endoscope, and
Artificial Insemination (AI) equipment...
Read More
|
