Otitis in Dogs – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
There are two types of otitis in dogs – otitis externa and otitis media. Otitis externa is an inflammation of the dog’s external ear canal. Otitis media would then be an inflammation of the middle ear. In general, otitis happens when a change in the ear’s environment causes the glands to enlarge and produce excess wax.
What causes otitis in dogs?
When the lining gland inside the ear produces more wax than necessary, the dermis and the epidermis produce excessive fibrous tissue. This will cause narrowing of the ear canal. Otitis externa is usually the result of a secondary infection.
Otitis media happens as an extension of otitis externa. There is a rupture between the external ear and the middle ear.
There are many factors that can trigger otitis in dogs. The main causes are drug reactions, keratinization, foreign bodies, parasites, food allergies, hair accumulation, and autoimmune diseases.
What are the symptoms of otitis in dogs?
The symptoms of otitis in dogs include redness, pain, and itchiness. If the condition is chronic, it can result in rupture of the ear drum. You should pay attention the your dog´s signs that might be: head shaking, scratching at the ear flaps, and bad odor.
If your dog displays anorexia, head tilting, and some vomiting, then the condition has turned into otitis media.
What is the treatment for otitis in dogs?
Whenever you see any of the symptoms described above, take your dog to the veterinarian. Through a physical examination, he will determine the type of treatment that will work best for your pet. When the veterinarian observes the external ear, he will observe redness and swelling.
Usually, a topical therapy after a complete cleansing is given to treat otitis externa. The veterinarian will prescribe antiseptic drops, anti-yeast, corticosteroid, and antibacterial as topical therapy.
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