
Is there anything more frustrating for a pet owner than dealing with a dog that has recurrently itchy ears? It’s a common issue for many dogs and one of the most frequent reasons for vet visits (about 10% of all dog consultations are for ear problems!). Ear infections can appear to come on ‘overnight’, and can turn even the calmest of dogs into a frustrated, head-shaking, ear rubbing/scratching mess.
So why do our dogs get recurrent ear infections?
Typically, it's due to an overgrowth of the bacteria and yeast that are normally present in the ear canal. In a healthy ear, these microorganisms are kept in check and don’t cause problems. However, when something disrupts this balance, they can multiply uncontrollably, leading to irritation and inflammation. The most common culprits for recurring ear infections are dogs that love to plunge their heads underwater (the "swimmers") or those with allergies that affect the skin’s health.
The ear is inflamed, what next?
So once you lift up that flappy ear and see a very red, sore looking ear, what next? Well it's most likely time to visit the vet. Ear treatments often contain antibiotics, so a vet will need to examine your dog before prescribing anything. They will also need to look inside the ear. A dog's ear is L-shaped, with the eardrum at the end of the "L". Using an instrument called an otoscope, the vet can check if the eardrum is damaged, which influences the choice of medication. They’ll also check for ear mites or foreign objects (like grass seeds in spaniels) and ensure there’s nothing growing in the canal (like a tumour or polyp). Spaniel owners are likely to be all too familiar with the curse of the grass seed during the summer months.
Under the microscope.
If nothing is obstructing the canal, many vets will take a swab to identify the cause of the infection. By examining the swab under a microscope, they can differentiate between yeast and bacterial infections, which helps in choosing the most effective treatment. In rare cases, if rod-shaped bacteria are observed, the vet might send the swab to a lab to determine which is the most appropriate antibiotic, as as many of these bacteria have antibiotic-resistance.
Ongoing care
After treatment, some vets will recheck the ear to ensure the infection has cleared up, while others may prefer a wait-and-see approach. Regular use of a dog-specific ear cleaner can help reduce the risk of future infections. If your dog continues to suffer from recurring infections despite regular cleaning, it’s worth discussing with your vet to understand the underlying cause and explore further solutions. With less head shaking and scratching, hopefully everyone can enjoy a bit more peace and quiet!
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