Protect Your Pup’s Ears: Preventing and Managing Otitis Externa

by Jon Scaccia May 10, 2024

If you’ve noticed your dog constantly scratching their ears, shaking their head, or having discharge in their ear canals, it might be a sign of otitis externa, a common ear infection in dogs. Otitis externa is an inflammatory disease affecting the outer ear canal, causing irritation and discomfort for your furry friend. Understanding the root causes, symptoms, and treatments is crucial for pet owners to protect their dogs from further complications like hearing loss and chronic infections.

What Is Otitis Externa?

Otitis externa is the inflammation of the external ear canal and ear pinna. It can manifest acutely or become chronic if it persists for more than three months or recurs frequently. Chronic cases often lead to additional changes in the ear canal, like glandular hyperplasia (enlargement), epithelial hyperplasia (thickening of skin tissue), and increased earwax production. These changes create a warm, moist environment, fostering bacterial and yeast growth that can exacerbate the infection.

What Causes Otitis Externa?

Several bacteria can cause otitis externa, with Staphylococcus being the most common. Other culprits include Pseudomonas, Proteus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, and Corynebacterium. Malassezia yeast also frequently contributes to this disease. Some bacteria can form biofilms, which protect them from antibiotics and lead to persistent infections. Dogs may even develop allergic reactions to these pathogens, worsening their discomfort.

Primary, Predisposing, and Perpetuating Factors

• Primary Factors: Directly cause otitis externa, such as ear mites (Otodectes cyanotis), food allergies, atopic dermatitis, foreign bodies, endocrine disorders like hypothyroidism, or tumors.
• Predisposing Factors: Increase a dog’s risk of developing otitis, like ear canal hair, narrow ear canals, excessive earwax, frequent ear cleaning, and environmental temperature/humidity changes.
• Perpetuating Factors: Maintain or worsen inflammation once it starts. Bacterial and yeast infections, middle ear infections, and ear canal changes all contribute.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Dogs with otitis externa often have red, swollen, or crusty ears, and might scratch at their ears frequently or have noticeable discharge. They could also exhibit hearing loss due to ear debris blocking sound. Vets diagnose otitis by examining the ear canal and conducting cytological tests to identify the specific cause. In chronic cases, imaging studies like CT scans can be helpful.

Treatment Options

Treating otitis externa requires addressing both the infection and the underlying factors. Topical medications usually include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory agents to reduce pain and swelling. Glucocorticoids can also help, but should be used cautiously. Thorough ear cleaning is essential to remove biofilms and debris, allowing medications to penetrate effectively.

Prevention and Long-term Management

Preventing otitis externa starts with regular ear examinations and client education. Cleaning your dog’s ears regularly (but not too frequently) and avoiding allergens can reduce their risk. Early intervention, accurate diagnosis, and consistent follow-up with your vet can prevent mild cases from becoming chronic. Referral to a veterinary dermatologist may be necessary for recurrent or complicated cases.

Let us know in the comments!

1. How do you maintain your dog’s ear health? Do you have any effective routines or preventive measures?
2. Have you ever had to deal with chronic ear infections in your pets? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?

Otitis externa can be a distressing condition for dogs and their owners, but with the right knowledge and timely intervention, you can help your pup avoid chronic complications and maintain healthy, comfortable ears.