Ear infections are one of the most common ailments seen in dogs who land in the veterinarian’s office, and prompt treatment of ear ailments can help prevent permanent damage like hearing loss. Recognizing the most common symptoms of a problem – ear discharge, itching, swelling and head shaking – is the first step in managing ear infections.
“Ear infections are very common in dogs – the vast majority of dogs will suffer from an ear infection at some point during their life. Dogs with floppy ears and fur on the inner part of their ears are much more prone, but anytime there’s an accumulation of bacteria and moisture, there’s a good chance of a bacterial or fungal infection,” explained Dr. Michael Levine, DVM.
There are two common varieties, and each affects the ear in different ways. An infection affecting the outer portion of the ear canal is known as otitis externa. The infection can also advance and spread into the middle ear. An infection affecting the middle ear is termed otitis media. The inner ear can also be affected in some very advanced cases. Otitis interna - an infection of the inner ear - can then spread to the central nervous system, leading to systemic infection and ultimately death.
Infections can take two forms: bacterial infections and fungal infections, and each is treated with a slightly different medication.
Bacterial Ear Infections
Bacterial infections are typically associated with discharge, redness, swelling and pain. These infections arise when the population of bacteria inside the ear grows beyond the control of the body’s immune system defenses. In some cases, particularly involving chronic ear infections, there is a lack of airflow and an accumulation of moisture that sets the stage for infection – often seen in dogs with floppy ears or furry inner ears. Failure to regularly clean a pet’s ears can also lead to bacterial infections.
Antibiotic drops, combined with twice-daily cleanings, are the most common treatment for bacterial infections. Head shaking is another a very common symptom associated with a bacterial ear infection. Excessive head shaking can lead to additional parallel problems, like the breakage of blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. This results in the formation of an aural hematoma, which is a pocket of blood beneath the skin’s surface that often requires lancing, antibiotic treatment and even surgery.
Fungal Ear Infections
Fungal infections are triggered by a fungus, which can often spread to other parts of the body, including the face and paws. Fungi thrives in locations that are moist, dark and damp, therefore floppy-eared dogs like hounds and spaniels are particularly prone to these infections.
In the case of a yeast infection, which is among the most common types of fungal infection, the yeast is constantly present on the body. The body typically keeps the yeast in-check, but there are cases where changes in body chemistry, combined with ideal moist conditions, can result in an overgrowth of the yeast – a yeast infection. In other cases, fungi can be transferred to the skin by direct contact, leading to the establishment of the infection.
Fungal infections are often associated with discharge, redness, swelling, scaling, dryness, oozing and intense itching. Scratching of the ears not only spreads the infection, but the pet’s nails can break the skin, and this will result in a secondary bacterial infection.
Yeast and other fungal infections have a tendency to spread to other body parts. Since itching is common, the yeast infection is commonly transferred to the feet and face, therefore prompt treatment is key to avoid the spread of infection. Anti-fungal drops or ointment is commonly prescribed, in conjunction with twice-daily cleanings of the ears.
Home Treatment
There is no home treatment that can effectively heal a bacterial or fungal infection. Cleaning the ears at least twice daily can help reduce the amount of irritation that results from the discharge. And in the case of an itchy fungal infection, hydrocortisone cream can temporarily ease some of the itching until the pet can get into the veterinarian’s office.
“Its vital that pet owners take ear infections seriously – they won’t go away on their own,” explained Dr. Levine, who concluded, “A severe ear infection can cause intense pain and discomfort, not to mention permanent hearing loss. Cleaning the ears twice a week will keep the ears in good shape, while also providing the pet owner with an opportunity to catch any problems early on. Early treatment is the key.”
