Otitis externa in animals
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Otitis externa is an inflammation of the outer ear and ear canal.
Animals are commonly prone to ear infection, and this is one of the most common manifestations of allergy in dogs. In dogs, those breeds with floppy ears are more prone, since air flow is limited and a warm, moist environment built up, which is conducive to infection. The external ear in animals is longer and deeper than in humans, which makes it easier for infection or wax to build up or be hard to remove. Complete ear canal inspection requires the use of an otoscope by a veterinarian. Infections are usually secondary to inflammation or to improper grooming techniques. Infections can be caused by both bacterial and fungal origin, as well as small organisms such as ear mites. Malassezia pachydermatis is a common fungal agent for ear infections in dogs. Staphylococcus intermedius is the most common bacterial infection. A more serious ear infection, with pus in the ear, may be caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
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[edit] Symptoms
Signs of ear infection include shaking of the head, and scratching at or under the ear. Some animals may also paw the ear or try to rub it on other objects to relieve pain and discomfort. Ear infections often result in a darker red ear, dirt in the ear, or a general inflamed appearance.
[edit] Treatment
Treatment is usually by a dual regime of ear cleaning and ear medication. Ear cleaning should be demonstrated by a veterinarian, due to the risk of pushing infected material deeper into the ear.
The aim of cleaning is to remove any byproducts of the infection which lead to further irritation and discomfort, and may be in turn, causes of further infection. Good care often involves cleaning the ear daily, to prevent build-up and bring the infection under control.
Ear medications are applied after cleaning and drying, and is usually in the form of ear drops or ointment applied daily or twice daily for one or two weeks. The type of infection must be identified by the veterinarian by examining a sample of ear exudate under a microscope, since bacterial infection will only respond to antibiotics, fungal infection to a fungicide, and ear mites to an insecticide.
[edit] Specifics of treatment
In mild cases, a product with anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial ingredients are often employed.
In more severe cases, ear cleaning under sedation or anesthesia may be required and evaluation for otitis media may be indicated.
Treatment for ear mites include ear drops that contain pyrethrins or an avermectin such as ivermectin or selamectin.
[edit] Non-prescription remedies
Provided it is not too severe, otitis externa can often be treated by non-prescription means, at low cost. This can be especially useful in chronic conditions, where there is little risk of it spreading to the inner ear, or as part of routine preventative and maintenance in animals. However as with all home treatments it is important that those cases requiring veterinary attention, which become more severe, or which do not resolve in a short time frame, are seen by a qualified vet.
For general infections, cleansing and antiseptic mixtures are made from isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, boric acid and acetic acid (vinegar) in various proportions. In some recipes, povidone-iodine (betadine) is added as well.
For yeast and fungal infections, clotrimazol solution is often available over the counter, for human fungal infections such as athlete's foot, and can be used.
Note that hydrogen peroxide is not recommended as it can irritate sore tissues.
Sources and sample recipes: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5].
