Types of Canine Ear Problems
- Dogs with floppy ears are more prone to ear infection.Dog image by Jan Zajc from Fotolia.com
One of the more common reasons people take their dog to the veterinarian is an ear problem. Ear problems can cause a variety of symptoms including scratching, ear pain and balance problems. Ear problems can occur in all breeds of dogs at all ages. Once the cause is determined, treatment is necessary to avoid further complications. - A parasite called Otodectes cyanotes causes ear mites. Ear mites are tiny, parasitic mites that invade the middle and inner ear and lay eggs. A mother can pass these mites to her newborn puppies. Adult dogs can also pass these parasitic ear mites among each other. These mites cause intense itching, which can lead to hair loss on the ear flap and bleeding in and around the ear. The dog may shake his head or tilt his head to the side. Diagnosis is made by examining the ear with an otoscope. Treatment is necessary to avoid a secondary bacterial infection of the ear. Your veterinarian will thoroughly clean the infected ear. Then give you ear mite drops that you will insert into the ear daily for a week. The ears are allowed to rest for a week and this treatment is repeated for another week and then re-examined.
- Infections can occur in the inner, middle and outer parts of the ear. Bacteria and yeast that is on the skin of the dog can invade the ear and cause infection. Several factors such as moisture in the ear, allergies, skin disease or an injury may make a dog more susceptible to infection. Certain breeds, particularly ones with long, floppy ears, are more prone to ear infections. Symptoms of an ear infection may include a buildup of wax, pain, head shaking, itching and a bloody or pus-filled discharge. Inner ear infections may cause balance problems such as dizziness. Treatment is necessary to avoid damage to the structures of the ear. First, a thorough cleansing of the ear is necessary so that the medications prescribed can reach the structures of the ear. Ear cleaning solutions are recommended for at least a week in order to flush the ear and allow it to heal. Your vet may also prescribe antibiotic drops.
- Canine Vestibular Syndrome is a condition that normally affects older dogs. It can affect middle-age or younger dogs, but is less common. Canine vestibular syndrome is the condition in which the nerves in the inner ear that connect the cerebellum to the ear become irritated and inflamed. It can last from a few days to 3 to 4 weeks. The symptoms of this syndrome are balance problems, vomiting and inability to eat or drink. There is no treatment for this syndrome and it usually resolves on its own.
