Has your dog ever scratched at its ears or rubbed its head along the ground? Chances are it has. Many dogs have had otitis, an inflammation of the epithelium of the ear canals that may also involve the external ear.
Otitis is characterized by redness and increased discharge. It has many causes and is usually accompanied by pain and itching.
Dogs with small ear canals are prone to otitis as are breeds that have excessive amounts of hair in the ear canal, or long, hanging ears.
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These factors result in moisture retention in the ear canal, providing ideal conditions for normal ear canal inhabitants to multiply. Frequent swimming or bathing will do the same.
The most common causes of otitis include ear mites, allergies, foreign bodies and polyps.
Ear mites appear to irritate glands in the ear, causing a hard brown discharge. This is a good place for yeast to flourish. To treat this, clean the ear and apply a product that kills the mites.
Allergies are another common cause of otitis. Two types of allergies are usually responsible.
Atopy is an allergy to dust and air-borne particles. These particles land on the hair of the dog and settle on the skin, prompting an allergic reaction.
The condition causes a dog to scratch its ears, lick its flank or chew on its feet.
Food allergies also cause otitis. The signs are similar to atopy. This occurs when the dog ingests an allergenic protein or carbohydrate.
Affected dogs may also have gastro-intestinal problems such as vomiting or diarrhea.
Otitis caused by foreign bodies usually occurs in just one ear and is caused by plant material, dirt or hair that becomes lodged in the ear canal.
Dogs with otitis due to polyps or tumours are normally infected in one ear as well. Polyps and tumours are usually surgically removed.
Veterinarians treat otitis by first conducting a clinical exam and having a good look at the ears with an otoscope.
Sometimes, the degree of discomfort or the dog’s demeanour precludes a proper examination. These dogs may require sedation, anesthesia or medication.
The next step is to take a swab from the ears and examine it with a microscope.
Other procedures may be necessary, such as bacterial culture and sensitivity, skin scrapings, biopsies, blood tests and others depending on the circumstances.
Bacteria and yeast usually show up in the microscope, although both are usually considered secondary to the major causes.
The examination is done to determine which agents are present and suggest initial therapies. The veterinarian’s aim is to try to make a specific diagnosis of the underlying cause of the otitis and treat the condition with appropriate therapies.
Commonly used treatments include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and anti-fungals, usually along with ear cleaning. Most cases of otitis respond rapidly to proper treatment, but some may go on to cause long-term problems that require surgery.
As with most medical problems, the earlier the problem is identified, the easier it is to clear up. Addressing the underlying issue is the key to long term resolution.
Daryl Meger is a veterinarian and outdoors enthusiast in a mixed animal practice in Westlock, Alta.
