The ear is a vulnerable part of the body. The external ear flap is easily damaged and wax, dirt and water easily collect in the ear canal. It is a collection point for all kinds of infections that can cause inflammation of both the outer ear and the inner ear. Inflammation of the middle ear is also possible.
Symptoms of dog ear infection
Dogs with ear problems show one of the following symptoms:
- Shaking head and ears;
- Scratching one or both ears;
- Unpleasant smell from ears;
- Yellow or brown cast;
- Inflammation of the ear flap or opening of the ear canal;
- Wheezing or other indication of pain when touching ears;
- Tilt your head;
- Apparent loss of hearing.
External inflammation in the dog
Many cases of ear infections either otitis are caused by white, pinhead size mites, Otodectes cyanotis. They are killed by applying appropriate pesticides for three weeks. All pets that have been in contact with the infected dog must be treated: it is highly contagious.
Some mites live outside the ear and are a source of infection. Inflammation of the outer ear is often caused by a disease yeast, Malassezia pachydermatis, which benefits from a mite infestation, allergy or other ear canal inflammation. Untreated outer ear infections can cause perforated eardrum and middle ear or internal ear infection, accompanied by a oblique head and loss of balance. Your vet will prescribe the appropriate medications: If the eardrum has been punctured, certain antibiotics, such as gentamicin and neomycin, should not be given because of possible nerve damage.
Certain breeds such as Labrador and Golden Retrievers seem predisposed to this hematomas – hot, soft, variable swelling in the ear flap. They occur when blood vessels burst and blood accumulates between the cartilage and skin of the ear. The vet will draining hematoma and attach to prevent recurrence, too corticosteroids administered. The ear tips can freeze, especially if there is little hair on it. If your dog has been out in the cold for a long time, pat his ears with lukewarm water. Don’t rub them, it will only make it more itchy. In warm weather you can sunburn occur, especially in dogs with a white coat. Coat the ears with sunscreen with a protection factor of thirty or more before taking your dog out in the sun for a long time.
Balance problems and deafness in the dog
Middle ear and inner ear problems can lead to loss of balance, especially in older dogs. Symptoms include tilted head, darting eyes, loss of coordination and appetite, and vomiting. This group of symptoms – known as balance loss syndrome – can sometimes be confused with a fit. The immediate cause is unknown and the symptoms often diminish within a week and disappear within a month of onset, although the head may sometimes remain tilted. Symptoms are treated to suppress nausea and prevent accidents.
Temporary deafness can be caused by a copious wax production or scabies, something that also affects the skin. These problems are easily treated with targeted drugs. Reduced hearing and possible deafness can develop insidiously in older dogs and can hereditary are within certain races. A specialist vet is capable of one measurement of hearing response in the brainstem to make a clear diagnosis.
Dealing with a deaf dog can be demanding. But with patience and food as a reward and simple but obvious hand signals, the affected dog can learn obedience. Keep one deaf dog always on a leash.