Dog Ear Problems
 

Information

A perfect breeding ground for bacteria is a dark and damp, poorly ventilated dog’s ear. Constant attention needs to be given to your dog’s ears. Cleaning should be done on a regular basis using a cleaning pad. A dog with an infected ear may shake his head and/or scratch at his ear. An infected ear will surely smell, show redness and puss. Most lop eared dogs experience an ear infection during their lifetime. Get the infection taken care of immediately or more serious problems will occur.

Ear mites are a very contagious organism that thrives within the ear canal of dogs and cats. Your pet will show signs of extreme head shaking and ear scratching accompanied  by a dry reddish brown or black waxy ear discharge. Administer a miticide as soon as possible. The hair and skin should also be treated with a topical insecticide.

Aural hematomas are collections of blood between the cartilage and skin that appear as soft swellings in the ear flaps. These may be caused by scratching and head shaking that are associated with ear mites, rough play, fleas and ticks, and insect bites. If left untreated it usually grows and then shrinks leaving the ear flap cauliflower-like in appearance. If the cause is left untreated the hematoma may worsen or recur and the other ear may also develop a hematoma. Surgery is the best treatment.

Deafness may be caused by any number of factors. Old age, ear infections, or drugs may lead to deafness in your dog. Shetland sheepdogs, Old English sheepdogs, collies, boxers, and dalmatians are subject to congenital deafness.

Lack of response to verbal interaction is a good sign that your dog is deaf or going deaf. Veterinary universities have access to equipment used to screen dogs for deafness. 


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