Otitis in dogs

Otitis is a common condition in dogs. It is characterized by inflammation in the ear. This condition is not harmless, causing significant discomfort and detrimental to the pet's health.

Reasons

Ear infections in dogs can occur for a variety of reasons. Here are the most common:

1. Decreased immunity. This weakens the skin's protective function, allowing opportunistic microbes and fungi to proliferate.
2. OtodectosisEar mites feed on epithelial cells and wax from the ear, causing swelling and itching.
3. Papillomas and tumors. They can become inflamed and bleed, creating an ideal breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms.
4. Hormonal imbalances.
5. Hair in the ears. In such cases, the ear canal lacks proper ventilation, and wax is produced in large quantities.
6. Injuries and severe bruises.
7. Presence of a foreign object.
8. Water in the ears.
9. Allergies. A heightened reaction to allergens also promotes the proliferation of opportunistic microflora.
10. Poor nutrition (excess sugar in the diet).
11. Overgrowth of the ear canal. Often seen in dogs with skin folds on their bodies (bulldogs, shar-peis, and some others).

It should be noted that certain breeds are predisposed to this disease. These include:

• Labradors;
• bulldogs;
• German Shepherds;
• bassets;
• hunting dogs;
• collie.

Classification

Depending on the method of occurrence, there are two types of otitis:

1. Primary. Occurs due to a congenital anomaly, trauma, or fluid entering the ear canal.
2. Secondary. Occurs against the background of a developing bacterial infection.

Classification depending on the source of inflammation:

• bacterial;
• fungal;
• parasitic;
• varrucous (warty);
• allergic;
• Malassezion.

Downstream:

1. Acute. Characterized by rapid onset of pathology and severe pain.
2. Chronic. Vague symptoms, alternating periods of exacerbation and remission. Difficult to treat.

By the nature of the discharge:

1. Exudative. Large amounts of sulfur are released.
2. Purulent. Yellow-green discharge with an unpleasant odor is present.

By localization:

1. External. Most common and easily treatable.
2. Otitis media.
3. Internal. This is considered the most dangerous because the inflammatory process involves the cartilage and eardrum.

Symptoms

Otitis in dogs always has characteristic symptoms, so recognizing the condition is easy. The main signs of the disease are:

• general weakness and apathy;
• poor appetite or lack of appetite;
• increase in body temperature;
• discharge from the ear (clear or purulent);
• large amounts of sulfur;
• localized hair loss (in the area of ​​the ears);
• the dog scratches its ears or shakes its head;
• enlarged submandibular lymph nodes;
• scratches, bruises, crusts on the ears.

Diagnostics

To establish a correct diagnosis, you should consult a veterinarian. They will examine your pet using a special instrument (an otoscope) and ask the owner a series of questions. Afterward, the doctor will prescribe the necessary tests and examinations. Here's a list:

• skin scraping microscopy;
• blood test (to assess the general condition of the body);
• analysis of ear discharge;
• X-ray (if a foreign object is suspected);
• computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Treatment

Treatment plans for otitis in dogs vary depending on the underlying cause. Typically, they involve several approaches, including:

• external ear treatment;
• relief of itching and swelling;
• destruction of pathogenic microorganisms;
• detoxification;
• strengthening the immune system.

In the early stages of the disease, it is advisable to use antiseptics (such as hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine). For bacterial inflammation, antibacterial drugs are prescribed. Antibiotic therapy should last at least five days. For fungal otitis, antifungal agents are used. If the infection is caused by an allergic reaction, medications with an antihistamine effect are used.

The presence of a foreign object, tumor, or obstruction in the ear canal may require surgery.

Medicines for the treatment of otitis

The following products are used for hygienic treatment of ears:

• Otifri;
• Otoklin.

Antifungal ointments:

• Nitrofungin;
• Clotrimazole.

Wound healing and antiseptic ointments:

• Sanatol;
• Safroderm;
• Levomekol.

Antimicrobial drops:

• Cipromed;
• Sofradex;
• Otobiovet.

Antiparasitic drops:

• Decta;
• Leopard;
• Amitrazine.

Antibiotics:

• Ceftriaxone,
• Amoxicillin.

Immunomodulators:

• Cycloferon;
• Immunofan;
• Gamavit.

In cases of general intoxication, typical of severe otitis, intravenous drips are prescribed. Detoxifying solutions:

• Hemodez;
• Sirepar.

Treatment at home

If it is not possible to immediately contact a veterinarian upon detection of a pathology, then it is necessary to provide first aid to the dog at home.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Examine your pet's ears. If scratches or wounds are found, treat the skin with hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine.
2. Put in Otipax drops. They soften crusts well and eliminate pain and itching.
3. In the presence of purulent discharge use a mixture of streptocide and boric acid in a ratio of 1:5.
4. Give Analgin (at elevated temperatures).

Complications

If you don't seek medical help immediately, the condition will progress. This can lead to unpleasant and even dangerous complications. Here are the main ones:

• hearing loss (up to and including complete hearing loss);
• neurological disorders;
• inflammation of the meninges;
• purulent conjunctivitis;
• strabismus;
• ruptured eardrum;
• death of an animal.

Prevention

To prevent otitis, you should follow these recommendations:

1. Regularly inspect your pet's ears and clean them (if necessary).
2. Limit contact with unfamiliar animals and carry out antiparasitic treatment.
3. Trim the hair inside the ears (for long-eared breeds).
4. Strengthen your dog's immune system. Provide it with a nutritious and balanced diet and long walks in the fresh air.
5. After water treatment, blot your ears with a cotton swab to remove excess water.

If symptoms of otitis are detected in your dog, treatment should begin as soon as possible. Prompt treatment ensures a rapid recovery and avoidance of complications.

Otitis in dogs: video

Read also:

• Why does my dog's ears smell?
• Otibiovin - ear drops for dogs
• Dog scratching ears and shaking head: causes and treatment