health

Pet ear infections

Understanding common symptoms can help you spot signs of ear infections in your dog or cat.

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Inflammation of the ears occurs in cats and dogs when the ear canal glands in the lining of the ear enlarge and produce a lot of wax.¹ This usually occurs due to allergies, infection, or an accumulation of hair or dead skin in the ear canal.¹

A chronic inflammation or infection of the external ear canal is called otitis externa. This causes itchiness, redness, and pain. When it’s chronic, or untreated, it can progress to a more serious condition called otitis media.¹

Symptoms of otitis externa

Some symptoms of otitis externa include¹:

Pain and sensitivity when touching head or ears
Shaking of the head
Scratching
Bad odor from the ear
Redness
Swelling
Visible dark discharge in the ear

Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear and can occur when untreated or chronic otitis externa progresses deeper into the ear canal.¹ Fluid buildup from inflammation can cause a rupture in the membrane between the external ear and middle ear (the eardrum).^1,2

If your animal is showing any of these symptoms, it is time to consult your veterinarian.

Dogs and cats of all ages and breeds can be affected by otitis externa. However, dog breeds with longer ears, hair in the external ear canals, or narrower ear canals tend to be more susceptible.¹ Breeds prone to otitis externa include^1,2: 

Basset hounds
Cocker spaniels
Poodles
German shepherds
Hounds
Terriers
Shar Pei

Young pets can also get otitis externa, most often caused by ear mites.²

Otitis externa and otitis media require treatment.¹ Your veterinarian will provide the most appropriate treatment plan for your pet’s specific needs.

References

Inflammation of the middle ear and external ear canal in dogs. PetMD. http://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/ears/c_multi_otitis_externa_and_otitis_media
Otitis externa. American College of Veterinary Surgeons. https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/otitis-externa

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