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The ears of dogs (especially those with pendulous/floppy ears) and cats are an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria and fungi. They are moist and warm and contain wax and other debris.  The funnel shape of the ear canal effectively traps debris, further complicating treatment of infections. Ear infections are often described as the following:

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Otitis externa (Outer Ear) is an inflammation of the external ear canal that begins at the outside opening of the ear and extends inward to the eardrum.  Causes include allergies, bacteria, fungi, ear mites, accumulation of wax, thick or matted hair in the ear canal, debris, impaired drainage of the ear, and infections from elsewhere in the body.

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Otitis media (Middle Ear) usually results from spread of infection from the external ear canal into the middle ear.  Foreign bodies, debris, ulceration, or improper cleaning may rupture the eardrum, allowing bacteria to reach the middle ear.  Signs of middle ear infection include odor, discharge, ear scratching, head shaking, and head tilt. Your pet may appear to be sick.

Image by John Berg, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVS

Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine

Ear infections left untreated immediately start to show canal thickening, and eventually close off the opening, making future treatments more difficult to resolve. The longer the infection has been present, the longer time it takes and the more difficult it is to clear up. 

When the inflammation of the ear is chronic, the eardrum may rupture and the infection may spread to the inner ear. Infections in the inner ear are often the most severe and can lead to partial deafness and neurological problems.

In serious cases of otitis, the skin begins to form into folds in which the infection can become trapped, making cleaning and use of topical treatments very difficult. In addition, in cases of otitis interna, the skin will secrete more wax and debris that allows yeast and bacteria to overgrow, causing further disease. Severe inflammation leads to permanent skin thickening, mineralization, and narrowing of the ear canals. Once this occurs, the only viable treatment will be surgical removal of part or all of the ear canal to alleviate pain and control the problem.

Image Courtesy of: Gale Mueller

Frequent ear infections may be a warning that your pet has an underlying allergy

(food or environmental) or thyroid hormone insufficiency.  Further diagnostic tests or food trials may be recommended.

CLICK HERE FOR THE EAR CLEANING INFORMATION PAGE

Veterinary prescribed ear cleansers are best for proper ear health. 

Many over the counter products allow moisture to remain in the ear or they overdry and aggravate the problem. Hydrogen peroxide, alcohol and Q-tips are NOT recommended to clean ears. 

Some severe cases of ear infection may require months of diligent treatment with frequent recheck visits. The ears should look better in a few days but this does not mean you can discontinue treatment. Please follow the treatment schedule recommended by your veterinarian for the appropriate time frame in order to reduce chances of recurrence.

Please call us if you notice any problems with your pet's ear(s).

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An Ear Full of Auditory Advice

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