Orchard hills Veterinary hOspital

By Kellie Tic K ner, Orchard h ills Veterinary hO spital a dministratO r

WITH the recent rain in Penrith, we have seen many of our pets suffering from skin complaints and ear infections.

Ear infections can cause extreme discomfort and further health problems if left untreated. There are many types of infectious bacteria, fungi, parasites, and foreign material which might cause inflammation and infection in the outer, middle, or inner ears.

Dogs’ and cats’ ear canals are shaped like a long ‘L’. They are great for hearing, but this shape predisposes them to collect debris and moisture. The most common causes of ear disease include allergies, heat and trapped moisture, excessive earwax, ear mites, foreign material like a grass seed, or an unknown growth or polyp.

There are many causes of ear