– Otitis externa (outer ear infection) – Otitis media (middle ear infection) – Otitis interna (inner ear infection) – Otitis interna (inner ear infection)
Head shaking and scratching at the ear are both indicators that your dog’s ear canal is itchy and/or painful.
Your dog’s ear canal and surrounding tissue may be red or swollen. You may also notice that their ears feel warmer than normal.
Often there is a discharge from your dog’s ear when they have an infection. The discharge can range from a crusty or scab-like black substance to a yellow pustular discharge
In chronic or severe cases, dogs may develop neurological diseases that involve a head tilt or loss of balance.
Some dog breeds, such as Cocker Spaniels and Miniature Poodles, are genetically predisposed to develop ear infections. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, these breeds have a greater density of apocrine glands, among other biological differences, that make them more prone to ear infections
Warmth and moisture in the ear can create just the right environment for yeast or bacteria to flourish. It’s not uncommon to diagnose a dog with an ear infection after they swim or receive a bath.
Although not as common in dogs, ear mites (an infectious agent) can be transmitted to other pets by contact. Most often, ear infections due to ear mites are seen amongst puppies and cats.
– Performing a thorough physical examination – Evaluate the ear with an otoscope – Perform ear cytology (aka taking a sample of discharge from the ear canal and assessing the specimen under the microscope)
Some dogs suffer with chronic ear infections secondary to allergies or low thyroid (hypothyroidism). Therefore, it’s particularly important for your veterinarian to properly diagnose and treat your pet’s ear infection. Diagnosing an underlying condition is crucial to treating and preventing ear infections in dogs.