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Ear Infections in Dogs
a.k.a. Otitis Externa
by Tate Allen DVM
Otitis externa infections
are typically secondary in nature. In my part of the country, inhalant
allergies are the most common underlying problem. However, any condition
or situation that results in an inflamed external ear canal can lead to
an infection.
An ear swab for cytology
can resolve the question of yeast or bacterial infection. Once this is
determined, treating the existing problem is usually straight forward.
There are numerous products available to treat otitis externa in the dog.
The most popular products
are typically what I call "shotgun" products. These contain
an antiinflammatory (steroid), antibiotic and antifungal/yeast medication.
In the case of a simple yeast or bacterial overgrowth (or mixed infections),
I typically will dispense a product called Otomax or Tresaderm.
Proper cleaning is
necessary to remove excess wax and exudate that is present and this often
is best done under sedation or anesthesia. This allows the removal of
all debris/build up as well as a chance to inspect the entire external
canal and ear drum. Unfortunately in many cases the ear drum is torn or
missing and the infection has extended into the middle ear. In these cases,
using appropriate instrumentation, samples from the middle ear can obtained
for cytologic exam +/-culture. Also medication can be directly placed
in middle ear.
"Simple ear
infections" are often far from simple in nature AND that treatment
is often not simple as well.
One last point, do
not allow your second dog to lick the affected dog's ears. One goal of
therapy is to have a dry and clean ear canal. Chronic licking is counterproductive.
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