Ear infection epidemic in dogs
Ear infections are amongst the most common skin problems we face as veterinarians in day to day practice. There isn’t a day that goes by where a pet owner doesn’t present a dog to us with signs of ear inflammation and infection. Common signs of an ear infection include a waxy ear with discharge from brown to a more pus-like yellow and green. Usually there is also an unpleasant odor along with redness of the ear flaps. Many dogs will shake their head frequently and/or scratch or rub excessively at the affected ears. The problem can be seen in one or both ears, and in many pets other signs of skin disease can be present. These signs may include excessive feet licking, trunk itching, hot spots, and various skin eruptions.
Ear inflammation and infections can be caused by foreign materials getting into the ears or excessive moisture, as seen in dogs that swim a lot. Ear infections are most commonly caused by a pet having an allergic reaction to inhalants or coming into contact with something, or hormonal disorders like hypothyroidism in dogs. Those pets with long floppy ears such as Cocker Spaniels and other breeds with similar anatomy can often perpetuate these primary causes because of inadequate air or ventilation to the ear canals.
If pets suffer from chronic ear inflammations/infections over time, the external canals will often become thick with scar tissue, and/or the problem can spread to the middle or inner ear causing hearing difficulties and deafness. In advanced cases, even surgery of the ear canals is sometimes needed. Although prescription ear medications may help the infection over a short period, the problem will likely recur again leading to increased patient discomfort and guardian dissatisfaction. That’s why it’s so important to address with your veterinarian the underlying causes of an ear infection before such severe pathology develops.
There are many excellent over the counter products available that can help animal guardians minimize ear infections through the use of newer and more effective ear cleaners such as MalAcetic Otic or MalAcetic Ultra, both which can be wonderful preventatives and treatments for dogs afflicted with yeast or bacterial infections of the ear canals. Epi-Otic Advanced is also another wonderful ear cleaner that I’ve had great success with in practice. And while some pets will require prescription topical antibiotic/cortisone medications like Otomax and Mometamax, I’ve found the natural enzymatic products called Zymox Otic and Zymox Otic HC to sometimes be as effective as prescription medications. Plus, these pet medications do not have the long term risks and side effects of antibiotic resistance seen when prescription topical medicines are overused.