Ear infections! A Problem No Pet-Parent wants to Hear About…!!

Authored by James Horner

Introduction

Ear infections are a common health issue faced by all pets - both cats and dogs of all breeds and sizes. Infections are often painful and if left untreated can lead to more severe complications. Knowing the signs of an ear infection and having the ear examined early is important. In this blog post, we will explore the world of ear infections provide insights on how to spot, treat and prevent the development of ear issues.

Understanding Ear Infections:

The official term for an infected ear canal is Otitis Externa.  There are many factors that can encourage the development of an ear infection, but in general the condition involves up to three distinct components:

• Bacterial infection

• Yeast infection

• Skin inflammation

Identifying the symptoms of an ear infection is important to have the condition treated quickly, resolved quickly, and ultimately cheaply!

Common Signs of Ear Infections:

To effectively manage ear infections, it is crucial to recognise the telltale signs that your pet may be experiencing discomfort in their ears. Look out for the following symptoms:

• Frequent scratching or rubbing of the ears

• Scabs or cuts behind the ears

• Redness, swelling, or discharge from the ear canal

• Bed smell from the ear

• Excessive head shaking or tilting

• Pain when the ears are touched

• Sometimes a loss of balance or coordination in severe cases

Treating an Ear Infection – The Basics

When an ear is irritated, the canal fills with wax, when the wax builds, the ear becomes irritated… in a waxy ear there is a higher risk of both yeast and bacteria taking hold and further irritating the ear; thus the cycle begins in earnest.

Treating the ear infection in the immediate phase is about reducing the infection, stopping the cycle of wax production, and making your pet more comfortable. Once an infection is treated effectively, the vet will consider the potential causes and discuss how we can best prevent the scenario occurring again.

Immediate treatment can be split into washes, medicated topical ear treatments and oral treatments.

• Ear Washes

Daily treatment with an ear wash can be sufficient for mild irritations. By reducing the wax build up the cycle can be broken, and the body can then recover.  The limitations of an ear wash are that is doesn’t treat any bacteria, yeast, or body inflammation that are likely going on in the ear canal. If the infection has taken hold, no amount of washing and cleaning will bring about a resolution and prescription medication will be needed.

• Topical Medications

When an ear is painful, red and smelly, a quick resolution is essential. The majority of topical treatments all include an antibiotic, an antifungal agent and a steroid. Some are single dose treatments, others are required to be administered twice daily. Depending on the patient and licence of the product, we may choose different medication to bring about a quick resolution.

• Oral Medications

In more severe cases or when the infection has spread beyond the external ear canal, especially in the presence of a burst ear drum, we may need to prescribe oral antibiotics or anti-fungal medications. 

Know your enemy…

Not all ear infections are the same.  Some are caused by “normal” bacteria found on the skin, staphylococcus intermedius, staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus spp. are all easily treated. Yeast infections, commonly caused by Malassezia spp. is frequently responsive to treatment.  Whilst these form the vast majority of ear-infection pathogens, uncommonly we come across a multi drug resistant microorganism.  A big concern is an infection with pseudomonas.  Pseudomonas spp. are regularly multidrug resistant, and can be a serious challenge to treat.

A simple ear swab for a microscopic assessment is often all that is needed to determine the nature of the infection, if not the actual bacteria being treated. Where there is a concern on the bacteria identified, submission to a lab for culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing is crucial to resolve the infection. Whilst it may seem like a cost, treating correctly and treating quickly will bring about the best outcome in such cases.

What can increase the risk of an ear infection?

Ear infections are not always the result of “bad luck”. Common causes can be grouped into these categories:

• Anatomy

Narrow ear canals, floppy or hairy ears.  Dog breeds such as Cocker Spaniels because of their floppy ears, and pugs and their narrow ear canals are frequently seen. Both anatomical causes result in reduced air circulation and increased moisture retention within the ear canal.

• Allergies

Allergic skin disease is enormously common in both cats and dogs. Anything that can trigger an inflammatory response in the ear can start the ear infection cycle.   Allergies to the environment, or to food being eaten, need to be investigated if a recurrent ear infection keeps occurring.

• Moisture and Humidity:

Excessive moisture, whether from swimming, bathing, or humid environments, can create an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. 

• Foreign objects or parasites:

Presence of foreign bodies like grass seeds or ear mites can cause irritation and increase the risk of infection.

Can I Prevent Ear Infections?

Prevention is important in ear infections, and some actions can be taken at home to stop conditions recuring or escalating. Here are some measures you can take:

• Regular Ear Inspections: Make it a habit to examine your pet’s ears regularly. Look for signs of redness, swelling, discharge, or a foul smell. Catching any abnormalities early can help prevent the development of a full-blown infection.

• Proper Grooming: Depending on your pet’s breed, they may require regular grooming to keep the hair around their ears trimmed. This is more commonly an issue in dogs, where excessive hair around the ear can obstruct airflow and create a favourable environment for bacterial or yeast overgrowth.

• Allergen Management: Allergies, whether environmental or food-related, can contribute to the development of ear infections in dogs. Control of these may involve dietary changes, allergy testing to facilitate allergen avoidance, or medication to control allergic reactions.

Conclusion

Ear infections are uncomfortable and can be distressing for your furry companion. By staying vigilant, recognising the signs, and taking proactive steps to manage and prevent ear infections, you can help ensure your pet’s ears remain healthy and infection-free. If you are unsure, or think your pet may have an ear infection, book a consultation to have them examined quickly.