An ear infection or otitis externa is a frequent problem in dogs. The condition is very common in lop-eared breeds such as the cocker spaniel.
The cause is usually an allergy, a fungal infection, a parasitic infection (ear mites!) or an object, such as an ear of corn, in the ear. This cause can lead to an infection with bacteria.
An ear infection can also become chronic. The dog will then suffer for a long time.
Symptoms
Symptoms of an ear infection are itching and/or pain that manifests itself in scratching and head shaking. The inside of the outer ear and ear canal are red, warm and swollen from the inflammation.
In severe or untreated cases, the infection can progress to the middle ear (otitis media) and inner ear (otitis interna). Balance disorders can then occur.
A chronic ear infection is a long-term inflammation that does not or poorly responds to treatment, or that always comes back. Changes then occur, such as thickening, of the skin of the ear canal.
Diagnosis
The symptoms usually leave little doubt about the presence of an ear infection. The exact cause will be tried to find out by examining the ears with an otoscope, a device for looking into the ear.
If necessary, a smear will also be made from the earwax to find out which germs are present.
Therapy
The treatment of otitis externa depends on the cause and the germs present.
First, the ears will be cleaned with a special liquid.
If an object is in the ear, it will be removed. The bacterial and fungal infection is treated with ear drops.
If necessary, an allergy can be treated with appropriate medication.
Ear mite infections are highly contagious to other dogs and cats and can sometimes cause itching in humans as well. It is therefore important to also treat all other animals if ear mites are detected.
Severe cases can be treated surgically.
Prognosis
The prognosis is generally good, although in many dogs the ear infection may flare up again.
Severe chronic cases can be treated with surgery and in some cases even complete removal of the ear.
