Lennox Head Veterinary Clinic
Shop 5/48 Ballina Street
LENNOX HEAD NSW 2478
Ph: 02 6687 5123 Fax: 02 6687 5129
ABN: 58 639 233 742
Evan. M. Kosack BVSc (Syd Uni)
M.R.C.V.S
DEALING WITH GROTTY EARS
Pets with problem, smelly, waxy ears are a common part of small-animal clinical practice. However, the peak time for this is generally late spring and summer.
Inflammation of the external ear canal is called Otitis Externa. Middle ear problems are generally known as Otitis Media. Otitis Externa is much more common, but can lead to Otitis Media if it’s not sorted fairly early on. Otitis Media is much more difficult to deal with and can have some dramatic consequences such as; hearing loss, balance difficulties, and even meningitis.
This is not to say that Otitis Externa can’t be serious, painful and very difficult to sort out. Early intervention is of course the best idea, and even the most basic treatments will need at least 2 weeks treatment. More established cases may need a couple of month’s treatment, or even life-long prevention.
The most common underlying cause of ear problems is allergic dermatitis. This is usually an allergy to inhaled pollens (e.g paspalum, wattle, ryegrass etc) or flea allergy dermatitis. It stands to reason then that treating the underlying cause well as the secondary issues (ie; the ear and skin infection) is important.
Once an ear gets inflamed due to an allergy, its local defense against pathogens is weakened and the ear usually becomes infected with common bacteria (staphs) and yeasts. If allowed to continue, other resistant bacteria can invade and the problem gets more difficult to manage.
Common sequels to ear infections like thus can be ruptured ear drums and inner ear infections, balance problems, general pain and misery, foul smelly discharge, aural hematomas’ (large swollen, blood filled ear flaps) and even surgical removal of the entire ear canal.
Treatment involves usually a combination of some or all of these; swab for bacterial culture and sensitivity testing, anesthesia and ear exam and irrigation, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotic combinations, anti-bacterial and antifungal drops and sometimes surgery. Treatment must be continued for weeks, sometimes months, and owners must be consistent with applying medication and getting re-checks as advised.
Other causes of chronic ear problems may include ear mites, other skin mites and insect bites, polyps, hair overgrowth, foreign bodies (e.g grass seeds) and cancer. One of the most common reasons ear problems become difficult to treat is inappropriate use of medications sitting around at home, and not getting ears re-checked at the end of treatment. Using medicated ear drops occasionally for a few days here and there is a great way to end up with a resistant infection.
If your pet has ear issues, get them checked early. Delaying may lead to a long and difficult (and expensive) condition to deal with.
Ring us if you have any questions.
Cheers Till next time!
Evan Kosack
Lennox Head Vet Clinic