Otitis Externa in Dogs

Otitis Externa in Dogs

By: Dr. Debra Primovic

Section: Overview

Diagnosis

Veterinary care should include diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause and help guide subsequent treatment recommendations. Tests may include:

  • Complete medical history and physical examination with special attention to the ears and skin.

  • Cytology, which involves taking a sample of the ear discharge or any masses and examining it under a microscope.

    Some pets may require additional diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the abnormalities. Pets with recurrent ear infections, those who respond poorly to treatment, pets with generalized skin abnormalities, or those with other health problems may need additional diagnostic tests. These may include:

  • Culture and sensitivity. This procedure involves taking a sample of the ear discharge and sending it to a laboratory to identify the specific bacteria present.
    The bacteria are exposed to multiple antibiotic samples to determine what will kill them most effectively.

  • Radiographs (X-rays) to determine the health of the ear canal and bone and to evaluate the extent of involvement.

  • Complete blood count (CBC) and biochemical profile to check for factors that may contribute to the infection as well as to determine if a concurrent disease is present.

  • Skin scraping tests may be recommended to determine the presence of parasites or mites.

  • Allergy tests to determine if your pet is allergic to things that may irritate the ears, as well as the skin.

    Treatment

    Treatments for otitis externa may include the following:

  • Cleaning the ear. This can be accomplished by placing solutions in your pet's ear at home or by having the ears cleaned by your veterinarian. Moderate to severe infections may require sedation and in-hospital flushing.

  • Topical therapy. It usually consists of an ear medication that you place in your pet's ear once or twice daily. The specific medicine and directions will depend on the cause of the infection. It is extremely important to follow your veterinarian's directions carefully.

  • Systemic therapy with glucocorticoids (steroids) to decrease pain and inflammation.

  • Antibiotic therapy in cases of severe bacterial infection or ulceration.

  • Antifungal therapy in cases of severe or recurrent yeast infections.

  • Anti-allergy therapy.

    Home Care and Prevention

    Optimal treatment requires a combination of home and professional veterinary care. Be sure to have your veterinarian or his/her staff show you how to place medication into your pet's ears.

  • Do not use cotton swabs in the ear; these may push infection and/or discharge deeper into the ear canal. Clean the ears before applying medication.

  • Return to your veterinarian for follow-up examinations as suggested.

    At home special care of your pet's ears can help to maintain healthy ears. Dry the ears after bathing or swimming and check ears for foreign matter.

    Also, at the first sign of scratching, head shaking, pain, swelling, odor, or discharge, have your pet's ears checked by your veterinarian.

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