EAR DISEASE

SIGNS of ear disease may have come on suddenly, or your pet may have had ear problems for some time. The signs associated with ear disease may include rubbing, scratching, pain, inflammation of the ear canal, odor, crusting, discharge, and head shaking.

CAUSES of ear disease has much to do with the anatomy of the ear canal in dogs and cats. Human ears go strait in, while our pet's ear canal takes a U-turn half the distance in. This makes
an ideal trap for moisture which often gets the problem rolling. Pets with heavy drooping ears or very hairy ears are even more prone to problems. Allergies, foxtails, mites and flies may
also cause ear diseases.

DIAGNOSIS is made by a good examination of the ear, cultures and cytology, and
sometimes Xrays.

TREATMENT may be simple in acute cases, or may be more involved with long
standing problems. Sometimes sedation of the pet and flushing the ears and/or removing
foxtails may be necessary. Your veterinarian will guide you as to the options available.

PREVENTION is often the most important part of therapy; not only is curing your pet's
problem important, but keeping recurrent infections to a bare minimum should be our
long term goal.

*** Keep hair pulled and clipped from in and around the ear canals.

*** Keep ears dry, plug ears with cotton balls at bath time, and put rubbing alcohol
( a few drops ) in each ear after a bath or a swim.

*** Many good preventative washes are available. Avoid over the counter medications that often contain irritating chemicals or harsh disinfectants. 

HOME PAGE | HOSPITAL INFORMATION | PET HEALTH INFORMATION

©2007 James W. Day D.V.M., P.C.