Ear Infections In Dogs and Cats

Ear Infections In Pets

Otitis or ear infection in pets is the inflammation of ear that leads to swelling of the ear canal glands which in turn causes excessive wax build up. Infection of the external ear canal (otitis externa) is very common in cats and dogs. When the inflammation is severe and left unchecked, it also extends to the middle ear (otitis media) and causes fluid buildup. This fluid ruptures the membrane between the external and the internal ear and leads to hearing loss.

CAUSES OF EAR INFECTION IN DOGS AND CATS The main culprits behind this condition in pets are: • • • • • •

parasites like ear mites bacteria (Staphylococci and Pseudomonas) yeasts (Malassezia) foreign bodies lake water hypothyroidism

These parasites and pathogens cause allergy in ears which leads to itching, redness and increased wax production in pets. Some breeds are genetically predisposed to such infections because of the typical formation or characteristic of their ear canal. Even the presence of thick hair inside the ear canal can make a pet more prone to ear infections.

Cats usually don’t have bacterial infections and are more vulnerable to yeast infections, however, mycoplasma or bordetella can still cause issues in cats’ ears.

SYMPTOMS OF EAR INFECTION IN CATS AND DOGS Pets with ear infections may exhibit symptoms like: • • • • • • • •

Stinky Ears Fluid Discharge Continuous Pawing And Scratching Head Shaking Redness Of Pinna (ear flap) Swelling Of Ear Canal Excessive Wax Circling

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT A vet will generally examine the inside of the ear by using Otoscope. He may also take the sample of wax or fluid discharge from your pet’s ears to test the kind bacteria or yeast present in his ear.

Treatment may include oral antibiotics or antibacterial/anti-fungal ear drops to cure the infection. Your vet may also suggest some ear cleansers to prevent the infection in future.

PREVENTION Ear infections can be annoying to your pet and sometimes even painful. Therefore, in order to prevent the infection from recurring, you must groom your pet thoroughly every week. Check his ears when you bathe him or while combing your pet. Remove the wax once in 15-20 days. Use ear cleanser to remove any debris or dust from the ear. Some cleansers also come with anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. Use them but do not overdo as the inside of the ear is itself moist and capable of fighting pathogens. Provide omega 3 fatty acid rich food to ward off inflammation. Get him checked for

hypothyroidism which causes ear infections. Pat dry your pet’s ears after bathing and swimming.

Some breeds like Cocker Spaniels, German Shepherds, Terriers, Basset Hounds, and Poodles can get ear infections more often than other breeds. Therefore, take better care of these canines besides other pets.