EAR INFECTIONS

signs of ear infections

• head shaking or scratching at the ears
• bad odor from the ears
• discharge - anything from black and crusty to thin and yellowish

   There are many signs of ear infections, which may occur in any combination. Discomfort usually shows as a pet holds one or both ears down, or shakes his head, or he may rub his ears along the ground or against furniture. A pet with an ear infection will also often try to scratch the affected ear. If you look into the affected ear, the skin may be red and irritated, and sometimes thickened; there may be open sores or scratches. An unusual odor also may alert us to an ear infection. The odor can vary from a faint sweet smell to a sour odor that you can detect from across the room. Finally, there is almost always some visible discharge. Ear mite infections tend to develop a dark flaky material, yeast infections often create a soft brown material, and bacterial infections often result in a thin, yellowish material.

why do pets get ear infections?

anatomy & genetics

• dogs with narrow ear canals, or with floppy ears, are more susceptible to ear problems
• certain breeds (e.g. Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers) are also more susceptible

damp & dirty conditions

• pets that swim or spend significant time in dirty areas (e.g. hunting dogs) are at higher risk

allergies

• an inflamed ear canal is more susceptible to infection

hypothyroidism

• pets with hypothyroidism have less healthy skin and ears

contact with other animals

• ear mite infections can be highly contagious

   An ear infection does not suggest dirty surroundings or lack of proper care. Many pets have genetic tendencies that increase their susceptibility to ear infections. Bacteria and yeast thrive in damp, dark conditions, and narrow ear canals and floppy ears that cover the canals help create these conditions. Irritated skin, such as what we see with allergies, is also more susceptible to infection.

what do we look for when we look at an infected ear?

physical exam

• we look at the overall health of the pet for signs of other problems

ear exam

• we examine the ears for redness, sensitivity, odor, and amounts and type of discharge

ear smear

• a microscopic examination of material from an infected ear is very helpful (see below)

culture & sensitivity

• with persistent infections or where we see suspect bacteria on a smear
• tells us the type of bacteria and the best antibiotics to use

   Proper diagnosis of an ear infection often involves several steps. A basic physical exam is crucial, as it allows us to assess the overall health of the pet and lets us evaluate whether there are underlying problems (such as allergies or hypothyroidism) that could be contributing to the problem. An examination of the ear itself helps us to evaluate the architecture of the ear canal, the type and amount of discharge, and how long the infection may have been present.
   Another valuable diagnostic tool is an ear smear, in which we examine material from the infected ear under a microscope. We can quickly determine the types of organisms involved in the infection, which helps us to choose the most effective treatment.
   Finally, in some cases we may be fighting a long-standing infection, or we may find bacteria that look like the variety that are most likely to be resistant to treatment. In these situations a bacterial culture and sensitivity will tell us which bacteria is present and which antibiotics will work best against it.

what causes ear infections?

many types of bacteria infect ears: E. coli Staphylococcus Streptococcus Pasteurella Pseudomonas

yeast often invade after bacteria have affected an ear, but can also be the only organism present

ear mites affect cats much more often than dogs to see ear mites in a cat's ear, click here.

how do we treat ear infections?

The treatment for ear infections depends on the cause, but can include the following:

• Treatment of underlying conditions (allergies, hypothyroidism)
• Regular cleaning of the ear canal
• Flushing of the ear canal under anesthesia is sometimes necessary
• Antibiotics (either oral, placed into the ear, or both)
• Miticides (medications to kill mites)
• Anti-yeast medications

   We rely on a number of weapons to combat ear infections. Once we determine the cause of an ear infection, we can tailor a treatment program. The medications we use are dictated by the organism involved, and whether we have a single infection or a combination of things. The length of time the infection has been present will also influence our treatment. In all cases, regular cleaning of the ear canal is helpful; even the type of cleaner we use will vary based on the type of infection present.
   In cases where we detect an underlying problem, treatment of that particular problem will greatly aid our ability to eliminate the ear infection. In the case of something like hyperthyroidism, specific blood testing is necessary.
   The length of treatment will vary, from 1 week for simple bacterial infections, to 2 or 3 weeks for many mite infections, to 6-8 weeks for stubborn yeast infections. Depending on the pet, some infections will never return, and some will be an ongoing concern.

how do we prevent ear infections?

• Treatment of underlying conditions (allergies, hypothyroidism)
• Regular cleaning of the ear canal
• Minimizing damp and dirty conditions

   In pets susceptible to ear infections, regular cleaning is often crucial to prevent ear infections from becoming chronic. In dogs that hunt or swim, just removing excess water and dirt from their ears after these activities can help prevent infections. With certain breeds (Cocker Spaniels, Labs, Shar Peis) we try to emphasize a regular cleaning program from an early age. With other breeds (Poodles, Schnauzers), regular grooming and removal of hair from the ear canals is essential for minimizing ear problems.
   Ear infections are a very common problem, but with proper diagnosis and treatment they can almost always be cured, and proper preventive care can minimize their effects.