Ear mites are tiny white parasites that live
in the ear canals of dogs and cats. These mites are highly contagious
and frequently infest whole litters of puppies and kittens. If more
than one dog or cat is present in the home, and one is found to be infected,
then all should be carefully examined for ear mites.
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Severe ear infections may develop as a
result of injury to the ear canal by the mites. A dark, crusty material
is found in the affected ear canal. Head shaking and ear scratching
are common signs.
In many cases the ears require a thorough
cleaning before treatment. An anesthetic may be necessary in severe
cases to allow complete cleaning. The mites can crawl to other parts
of your pet’s body. Therefore, a topical insecticide may be prescribed,
depending upon your pet’s age, state of health and severity of the disease.
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Notify your veterinarian if any
of the following occur:
Your pet develops a head tilt or loss of balance.
Your pet vomits or refuses to eat.
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Hematoma
of the Ear Flap
General Information:
Hematoma of the ear flap is an accumulation
of blood between the cartilage and skin of the ear flap. It is caused
by damage to the cartilage from vigorous repeated head shaking or scratching
at the ears with the back feet. Occasionally the damage results from
the ear striking a sharp edge during head shaking.
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The most common underlying causes of head
shaking are ear infections, ear mites and fleas.
In most instances, general anesthesia
is necessary for withdrawal of the hematoma fluid and surgical repair.
Treatment of ear infections and/or mites is necessary to allow healing
and prevent recurrence of the conditions that caused the hematoma.
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Notify your veterinarian if any
of the following occur:
Your pet exhibits discomfort by rubbing or
pawing at its ears or by shaking its head.
Fluid accumulates under the skin of the ear.
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Otitis
Externa (outer ear infection)
General Information:
Otitis externa is an inflammation of the external
ear canal that begins at the outside opening of the ear and extends inward
to the eardrum. Causes include bacteria, fungi, ear mites, accumulation
of wax, thick or matted hair in the ear canal, debris, impaired drainage
of the ear, and infections from elsewhere in the body.
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The ears of dogs (especially those with
pendulous ears) and cats are ideal for the growth of bacteria and fungi
because they are moist and warm and contain wax and other debris.
The funnel shape of the ear canal effectively traps debris, further complicating
treatment of infections.
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General anesthesia is often necessary
to allow thorough cleansing of the ear canal and to obtain specimens for
bacterial cultures. The longer the infection has been present, the
more difficult it is to clear up. In severe long-standing infections,
surgery may be necessary to correct the problem. To be effective,
the medication must contact microorganisms or mites deep in the ear canal.
To achieve this contact, the canal must be kept clear of debris, and the
medication must be placed deep within the canal.
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Notify your veterinarian if any
of the following occur:
Your pet continually rubs, paws, or scratches
its ears.
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Otitis
Media (middle ear infection)
General Information:
Otitis media (infection of the middle ear)
usually results from infection of the external ear canal spreading into
the middle ear. Foreign bodies, debris, ulceration or improper cleaning
may rupture the ear drum, allowing bacteria to reach the middle ear.
Signs of middle ear infection include odor, discharge, ear scratching,
head shaking and head tilt. The dog may appear to be sick.
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In some cases, prolonged (4-6 weeks) treatment
may be necessary. Laboratory tests, x-ray pictures, and surgery may
be needed to correct the problem.
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Notify your veterinarian if any
of the following occur:
Your pet shows increasing pain or worsening
of signs.
