Animals – Cat and dog ear infections

By Olaf Klein

Ear infections, especially in dogs, are quite often reoccurring and some individuals are more prone to infections than others. This can be due to environmental causes, like working in the water during duck hunting season, or anatomical predispositions like spaniels with large floppy ears for example. The symptoms of infection are usually head shaking and scratching of the ear with the hind leg. Sometimes we also see head tilt and very often a noticeable discharge from the infected ear canal. The infections are usually caused by bacteria, mites or fungi and quite often a combination of the above.

The ear canal should always be examined by your vet because the ear drum needs to be intact before any medication is put into the ear canal. If the medication runs through a hole in the ear drum into the middle ear severe complications may occur. Furthermore, foreign bodies as well as the occasional neoplasia, will be detected when the ear is properly examined with an otoscope. The veterinarian will quite often take smears to check for mites or fungi under the microscope, and also take a sample for bacteriology to select a more targeted antibiotic. This will quite often be done when the infection is reoccurring.

Treatment will be dependent on the cause of the infection. Often the vet will prescribe a combination product before bacteriology has been established. Clinical experience mostly leads to an effective choice of medication straight away, but remember that it is very important to establish the integrity of the eardrum every time treatment is initiated.

This examination involves the cleaning of the ear canal and using an instrument, called an otoscope which will allow the vet to visually explore all the surfaces of the ear canal. Apart from giving a proper field of vision, the cleaning of the ear canal also facilitates better absorption of topical medications.

The main reason for treatment to be started before the bacteriology is done lies in the fact that the infection is very irritating to the animal and the head shaking, as well as the scratching of the ear, frequently leads to the formation of a haematoma (blood blister) between the ear cartilage and the outer skin. This development then requires a surgical intervention, so earlier treatment is seen as preventative action.

In severe cases, the veterinarian will prescribe oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatories in addition to a topical medication. Sometimes topical medications cannot be applied because the animal is in too much pain so if you see your pet showing symptoms of an ear infection get it seen to as soon as possible because these things progress quite quickly. One last piece of advice to remember is do not use leftover medication from last time without consulting your vet.