WHEN THE EAR HURTS - EAR INFECTION IN A DOG
Friday, 19 April 2024
Ear inflammation is a fairly common affliction among dogs. The origin of the disease can be different, and it can affect one ear or a pair. It is worth remembering that chronic inflammation may cause more serious diseases, such as balance disorder or hearing loss.
Inflammation of the skin of the ear canal in dogs begins the ear inflammation. The dog's ear canal bends at an angle, hence there are favorable conditions (difficult air supply, moisture and heat) for inflammation to occur. Ear inflammation may be caused by bacterial infection, fungal infection or parasitic infection.
Ear inflammation in a dog can also be the result of a foreign body (water, grass, sand) entering the ear canal. It is difficult for the foreign body to fall out of the ear canal, which causes inflammation. However, it is usually a one-sided inflammation, as only one ear is affected.
Also, riding in a car with the head sticking out of the window can contribute to ear inflammation in a dog. Another cause is also allergy, which initially causes itching of the skin, so that the dog scratches the skin of the ear, and this promotes the growth of fungi and bacteria.
Symptoms of ear inflammation in a dog include a foul odor from the ear, head tilting to one side (the dog tilts its head to the side of the affected ear), head bobbing, and scratching the affected ear. Ear pain can make a dog squeal when touched in the ear area or even when scratching it on its own.
Ear inflammation can be of two types: purulent (pus around the ear and soreness) and erythematous/waxy (abundant wax, itching, redness). In extreme cases, the consequence of ear inflammation may be the spread of the disease to its internal structure (the middle ear), which in turn leads to balance disorders and even hearing loss.
Pain and itching in the vicinity of the ear causes the dog to constantly irritate the tissues, which can result in a hematoma of the auricle. If you suspect a dog has auriculitis, you should immediately go with your pet for the appropriate tests.
In order to make a diagnosis of the disease and to determine its cause, the vet will look at the ear from the inside using an otoscope. He will also take a swab of the discharge that fills the inside of the ear. If the cause of the inflammation is a stuck foreign body, then it is removed from the ear canal. The result of the examination also suggests what medication will be most appropriate in a particular case.
Occasionally the inflammation may spread to the inner or middle ear. In this case surgery may be necessary. If the ear inflammation is due to an allergy, it will need to be treated accordingly.
At this point, the question arises: are all dogs equally prone to ear inflammation?
Certainly dogs with upright ears have a greater chance of a foreign body falling into the ear canal. Dogs with drooping, large ears, on the other hand, tend to suffer from reduced airflow into the ear, which promotes the development of the disease. Also, certain breeds or types of dogs are more prone to ear infections.
Spaniels, St. Bernards, Bassets, Newfoundlands, as well as Dobermans, German Shepherds and Schnauzers are more prone to ear diseases. However, inflammation of external ear can happen to every dog.
The vast majority of breeds require that the hair growing around the ears be removed. It is also necessary to clean the ears regularly with appropriate products. After bathing the dog, it is also a good idea to dry the external ear canal, for example, with a cotton ball. Regular inspection at home will allow you to notice any worrying changes.
If anything seems abnormal, it is necessary to report with a dog to the vet - quick reaction saves suffering of a dog. It also allows to reduce costs of treatment, which are higher with advanced disease.
