Ear Infection in Dogs: Causes, Treatments and Prevention

EAR INFECTION IN DOGS

By John Reynolds

Introduction  After research on allergies that trouble dogs, I have now focused on Dog Ear Infections.  I have seen many dogs suffering from ear infections and they are usually left untreated because of ignorance. This presentation provides a summary of various causes, treatments, and preventive measures for ear infections in dogs.

Dog Ear Infection  Dog Ear Infections occur within the ear, although they can start on other parts of the dog’s body. The deeper the infection lies, the more difficult to reach for treatment. Ear infections are most commonly caused by bacteria and yeast.  Ear mites, excessive hair, moisture, or wax can be factors in development of an ear infection.

Types of Ear Infections       

Otitis Externa Bacterial Infections Pseudomonas Proteus Mirabilis Infections Ear Mite Infections Yeast Infections Allergens

Otitis Externa  Otitis Externa is characterized by inflammation and redness of outer ear. Otitis Media is aggravation and infection of the dog’s middle ear, and Otitis Interna is infection of the dog’s inner ear.  If pus or blood is not present, the infection is likely Otitis Externa.

Bacterial Infections  Bacterial infections are caused by Staph bacteria.  Staph bacteria are gram-positive and anaerobic.  Staphylococcus is group of bacteria that can infect all parts of your dog’s body. Treatment should include ingredients which have disinfectant properties.

Pseudomonas  Pseudomonas is a group of 200 different species of bacteria which can cause ear infections in dogs.  They are gram-negative infections.  Treatment should include compounds which are effective on gramnegative bacteria.

Proteus Mirabilis Infections  These organisms are present in the intestines of dogs.  They can also infect the ear and cause ear infection symptoms and other problems.  They are gram-negative and anaerobic.

Ear Mites Infections  The presence of ear mites is indicated when your dog scratches his ears.  Mites are microscopic, so positive identification normally requires viewing under a microscope.

Yeast Infections in Dogs  Yeast infections are caused by growth of Malassezia, a type of fungus found everywhere.  If the dog is more exposed to water, he is likely to get a yeast infection.  These infections are treated with antifungal ointments and creams.

Allergens  Allergens which can affect a dog’s ear include mold, dust, pollen, and food.  These things may also have adverse effects on the dog’s health apart from being a cause of ear infections.

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Dogs Prone to Ear Infection  Dogs who are mostly prone to ear infections are golden retrievers, Labradors, and poodles.  Dogs which tend to grow hair in the inner ear canal are susceptible to ear infections. Puppies are at greatest risk.  During summer, Labradors like to swim and may develop chronic “swimmer’s ear” if precautions are not taken.

Causes of Ear Infections Dogs can develop ear infections for many different reasons:      

Allergies Hormonal Abnormalities Parasites Excess Moisture Infections – bacteria and yeast Immune Condition

Prevention of Ear Infections  Check your dog’s ears every week.  If your dog swims a lot or has a history of ear infections, routine cleaning is recommended.  Follow your vet’s recommendation on how to treat ear infections.

Cleaning Your Dog’s Ears  To remove the debris, apply an ear cleaner to the dog’s ear canal.  Massage the base of the ear for 20 seconds and allow the debris to soften.  Cotton swabs can be used to clean the inside of the ear flap but should not enter the ear canal.

Diagnosis  A vet can take swabs of the ear to smear on a microscope slide and examine for bacteria, yeast. and mites.  A physical exam may determine whether the ear infection’s cause is hormonal, allergic, or hereditary.

Findings about Dogs Suffering from Ear Infections

 50% of dogs which suffer from skin disease and 80% of dogs which suffer from food hypersensitivity also suffer from ear infections.

Treatment for Ear Infection  Treatment of Ear infection will depend on what has caused the infection.  Antibiotics are taken for bacterial infection and anti-fungal treatments are called for in cases of yeast infection.

How to know if the Ear Infection has cleared  Vets used to believe that most ear infections clear up with treatment within 7 days. But this is still unclear, since the dog’s ear canal cannot be seen directly.  Taking your dog for a re-examination, allowing the doctor to look down into the ear canal, is the best way to be sure an infection is completely gone.

Sources        

http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-ear-infections http://www.vet-organics.com/dog-ear-infection-symptoms/ http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2095&aid=273 http://www.puppyeducation.net/taking-care/treat-dogs-ear-infections/ http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/dog-health/Ear-Infections-in-Dogs-Symptom https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/ear-infections http://www.slideshare.net/johnreynoldsus/dogs-and-their-allergiesppt http://www.sheaanimalhospital.com/pet-care-resources/pet-carearticles.php? news=How_to_Treat_a_Dog_With_an_Ear_Infection&news_id=31&st art=0&category_id=2&parent_id=2&arcyear=Y&arcmonth=M

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