Does Your Dog Have an "ear infection"?

Otitis Externa in Dogs

By: Dr. Debra Primovic

Otitis externa, commonly referred to as an "ear infection", is an ear condition characterized by inflammation of the external ear canal. It is particularly prevalent in dogs with long, floppy ears. Ear infections represent one of the top 10 reasons dogs present to veterinarians and may affect up to 20 percent of dogs.

Infections are caused by fungus, bacteria or parasites. Laboratory tests can help to determine the underlying cause of the infection.

Several factors may predispose dogs to ear infections, including:

Long floppy ears

Abnormal ear conformation or anatomy

Water or hair in the ears

Allergies

Trauma

Tumors

               

Foreign material in the ears

Parasites

Autoimmune disease

Generalized skin disease

Ear infections can occur in dogs of any age breed or sex. Dogs predisposed to otitis externa include those with genetic predispositions to abnormal ear canals, such as the Chinese shar-pei chow chows and English bulldogs; breeds with hair in the ears like poodles and terriers; dogs with pendulous pinnae such as the cocker spaniel and Springer spaniels; or outside and working dogs that are exposed to water or foreign bodies. Infections are most common in humid environments or during the summer months.

What to Watch For

Common signs of an infection include:

Scratching or rubbing the ears

Head shaking

An abnormal odor or discharge from the ear

Pain when you manipulate the ear

Redness and swelling of the external ear canal

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