What are ear infections?
Ear infections are very common in dogs, although less so in cats.
Two types are most often seen:
- Otitis externa - infection of the external ear canal.
- Otitis media - infection of the middle ear.
Although any dog or cat can get an ear infection, some breeds appear to be more prone. Dogs with pendulous ears, like cocker spaniels and basset hounds, or dogs with hairy inner ear flaps, like miniature poodles and schnauzers, tend to have a higher occurrence of ear infections. In cats, the Persian breed seems to be more prone. Most ear infections are easily and successfully treated. But if left untreated, they could result in serious damage.
What are ear mites?
If you peer into your pet's ears and notice a build-up of a material that looks like 'coffee grounds,' then your pet probably has ear mites, although a bacterial and/or yeast infection is also a possibility.
Summary of symptoms of ear mites and/or infection
Ear infections are very uncomfortable. Your dog or cat will express his discomfort by displaying the following signs:
- Shaking of the head or tilting it to one side (mites or infection).
- Scratching or rubbing of ears and head (mites or infection).
- Offensive odour (infection).
- Black or yellowish discharge in the ears (infection).
- Redness or swelling of the ear canal (infection).
- Pain around the ears (infection).
- Loss of balance (infection).
- Changes in behaviour such as depression or irritability (mites or infection).
Ear infections of the canal, if severe, can spread to the middle and inner ear, so prompt attention to the problem is recommended.
Regardless of the cause of the ear disease, always keep the ear canal clean.
What are my options for treating mites and ear infections?
Product recommendations:
For more information on ear cleaning
Causes
1. Otitis externa
Bacteria or yeast are most often the culprits. Other causes include an accumulation of wax, thick or matted hair in the ear canal, debris, a foreign body, a tumour or impaired drainage of the ear. Sometimes, infections of the external ear canal are a secondary result of some other bodily infection or ear mite infestation.
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2. Otitis media
Otitis media usually results from the spread of infection from the external ear canal to the middle ear. Also, foreign bodies, debris, ulceration or improper ear cleaning can rupture the eardrum and allow infection to reach the middle ear.
- Allergies such as atopy or food allergies.
- Parasites - ear mites.
- Microorganisms - bacteria and yeast.
- Foreign bodies, eg, plant lawns.
- Trauma.
- The ear environment, eg, excess moisture and ear anatomy.
- Hereditary or immune conditions, and tumours.
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Ear mites
Ear mites are very common and very serious. Left untreated, they severely damage the ear canals and eardrum and can cause permanent hearing loss.
There are several types of mites that can invade the ear canals (the tube that connects the external ear with the ear drum) of dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens. The same mite can affect both dogs and cats. In the puppy and kitten, the most common ear mite is Otodectes cynotis. Regardless of the exact mite species involved, usually mites of the ear canal are simply referred to as ear mites. Contrary to popular belief, however, ear mites can live anywhere on the animal's body.
How are the mites transmitted?
Ear mites are highly contagious. They can be passed from the mother animal to her offspring. Additionally, the mites are easily spread to other pets within the household including cats, dogs, rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, mice, ferrets, etc. Humans are not affected.
What are my options for treating mites and ear infections?
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- Ear-cleaning solutions – Commercial ear preparations containing an insecticide, usually pyrethrin, are available to kill mites. (Products without an insecticide will not kill mites.) Ivermectin, fipronil and selamectin are also used by some vets. Depending upon the medication used, the ears may need to be treated for two to four weeks until all mites are killed.
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- Spray your pet - Many ear mites live all over the body, including the feet and tail, and these areas should also be treated. Because mites are easily transferred between pets, all pets in the household should receive simultaneous treatment. Treatment of the house and yard is usually not necessary. Most products designed for fleas and ticks, such as sprays, dips and shampoos, which contain one of the above ingredients will be effective. Be sure to use products approved for use on dogs and cats.
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- Visit your vet - Because many different culprits can be the cause of your pet's ear infection, it is important to have your cat or dog examined by a vet, who will determine the proper medication or treatment.
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- Professional cleaning and medication - Most ear infections are cleared up simply with professional cleaning followed by medication at home. If only mild debris is present in the ear canals, simple disinfection and washing of the ear is adequate; however, in most cases, a full ear flush is needed to examine the ear drum. For patient comfort, sedation may be necessary as the ears are sore and the instruments can be damaging if the pet jumps at the wrong time.
You can help your pet avoid ear infections by practising preventative care at home. This is especially important for animals with pendulous ears, lots of hair in the ears, or those with allergies or other medical problems that make them prone to ear infections. A weekly ear cleaning with an ear-cleansing solution such as Rufus & Coco Ear & Wound Care can minimise or prevent infections.
Remember, if your pet has chronic ear problems, life-long preventative care and maintenance will be necessary to ensure your pet's good health.
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