Otitis in dogs - the main signs and effective methods of treatment. Otitis in dogs: treatment with antibiotics and folk remedies

Otitis media is an inflammation of the outer, middle, and inner ear of a dog. In practice, inflammation of the middle and outer ear is most common, inflammation of the inner ear is slightly less. Otitis affects both ears of a pet at once, and the causes of the disease are very different.

Causes of otitis media in dogs

In dogs, otitis occurs as a result of damage to the outer ear. As a result of a tick bite, after the formation of sulfur plugs, and even with allergic reactions to drugs, shampoo, food. Otitis media is most common in dogs with long ears.

Otitis media symptoms in dogs

If your dog reacts painfully to the touch of hands in the head and ears, and constantly shakes his head, these may be the first signs of otitis media. For a better understanding of the disease, consider the symptoms of otitis in dogs in more detail.

Otitis symptoms:

purulent and bloody discharge from the ears;
bad smell;
redness of the skin in the inner part of the auricle;
in severe cases, inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes;
pain with wide yawning;
periodic deafness;
heaviness when taking solid food;
discharge from the eyes;
with complications, meningitis and inflammation of the vestibular apparatus are observed.

If you notice symptoms of otitis media in your dog, contact your veterinarian immediately to start treatment. There are different types of otitis media depending on the infection.

Purulent otitis in a dog. A purulent, foul-smelling liquid flows from the dog's ear. With the advanced phase of the disease of purulent otitis media, the dog may experience ulcerative processes and perforation of the eardrum. In the course of treatment, antibiotics, a solution of hydrogen peroxide and chlorhexidine are used.
Chronic otitis media cause bacteria staphylococcus, streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Chronic otitis requires serious treatment under the guidance of a veterinarian. For the treatment of chronic otitis, veterinarians prescribe compresses with dexamethasone and antibiotics, as well as Candibiotic drops.
Otitis externa in dogs- a disease of the external ear, which is manifested by inflammation of the hair follicle, or a bacterial-fungal infection of the ear canal, accompanied by eczema, itching, swelling. For the treatment and prevention of the disease, use Vetzim drops.
Fungal otitis media in dogs also called otomycosis, it can be both an independent and a secondary disease. Inflamed skin loses its protective properties, and the fungus provokes an additional infection, resulting in otitis media. It all starts with severe itching, after which a large amount of sulfur appears, which mixes with fungal bacteria. The dog's ear turns red and inflammation begins, swelling, purulent discharge, and a sour unpleasant odor are also possible. This form of otitis is treated by treating the ear with a solution of phosphoric acid, as well as with Gaselan 2%.
Bacterial otitis media in dogs- a fairly common disease of the auricle, which is accompanied by itching. Otitis can affect one or both ears at once, inflammation of the ear causes purulent discharge, redness and an unpleasant smell from the ears. In the case of fungal or bacterial otitis, Surolan spray drops are used to treat.
Allergic otitis media in dogs- often occurs as a result of an allergic reaction, or hormonal imbalance. Accompanied by abundant secretion of earwax and intensive reproduction of fungi in the microflora. The dog develops itching, which he tries to stop by scratching the ears, as a result of which irritation and ulcers occur, as well as a brown discharge and a purulent consistency.

How to properly clean the ears of a dog (part of the prevention of otitis media):

Please note that if you treat for a long time to no avail, then most likely the selected medications are not perceived by your dog's body and the treatment is not effective. Otitis medicine can be found in every veterinary pharmacy. But it is worth remembering that even with the best selection of drugs, this is a difficult and lengthy treatment process.

Treatment of otitis media in dogs at home

Treatment of otitis requires attention, caution and should be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the identified signs of otitis media in dogs. If it is not possible to visit a veterinarian, you should try to help your pet in this way:

we treat the dog's ear with saline chlorhexidine or miramistin. The solution is applied to a gauze swab in a small amount.
carefully presses the ear to evenly distribute the therapeutic fluid. We remove sulfur from the ear with the help of an exudate solution, which is sold in pet stores.
moisten a clean swab with boiled water and remove the discharge and crusts. A clogged ear canal can be cleared with saline by douching.
after cleaning, you need to drip into the ear the following ear drops for dogs from otitis to choose from: Anandin plus, Otinum, Sofradex, Otipax. For small breed dogs, 2 drops in each ear, and for large breed dogs, 5 drops.
after, gently massage the ear. The procedure should be repeated twice a day, no more than two weeks, if there are no changes, use other drops.

Depending on the appearance of the skin of the ears, for prevention, it is possible once a day to treat part of the auricles with a moisturizing or drying ointment. Remember that chronic otitis requires a fairly long treatment, so try to avoid complications.

Read in this article

Causes of otitis

Faced daily with inflammation in the ear canal, veterinarians identify the following causes of otitis media in dogs:

Ticks violate the integrity of the skin, damage blood vessels, release toxic waste products into the surrounding tissues. This leads to itching, the development of otitis in the animal. Most often, dogs are diagnosed with otodectosis.

allergic reactions. With the development of allergies, chemicals are produced in the body, leading to the fragility of blood vessels and irritating nerve endings. Combing the itchy area with the paws leads to the multiplication of opportunistic microflora and the development of an inflammatory reaction. Often it is the ears of the animal, well supplied with blood vessels, that suffer from a reaction to any allergen.
Keeping an animal in unfavorable conditions. Cold, damp, drafty rooms, bad weather, strong winds, rainy weather are common causes of the disease in dogs.
Violation of the rules of hygiene and pet care. Irregular cleaning of the ears from sulfur, water ingress during water procedures are common causes of otitis media in dogs. Foreign objects. Seeds and thorns from plants, insects, small objects caught during a walk lead to a violation of the ventilation of the auricle, increased production of protective sulfur.
Neoplasms, papillomas, polyps. Formations on the skin have a similar mechanism with foreign objects. By closing the ear canal, polyps or tumors interfere with normal air circulation, they can also spontaneously become inflamed, bleed, which leads to the development of inflammation in the ear canal. Neoplasms can be primary, or formed as a result of otitis media and in this case be secondary.

Canine ear tumor

Hormonal abnormalities. Diseases of the organs of the endocrine system - adrenal glands, thyroid and pancreas, pituitary gland, are often accompanied by a violation of the hormonal status. Failure leads to dry skin, itching, peeling, which provokes an inflammatory reaction.
The cause of otitis media can be autoimmune diseases when the body starts attacking its own cells.
Injuries. Damage to the auricle is typical during fights between relatives. Mechanical damage (wounds, cracks, abrasions) lead to the introduction of pathogenic microflora and the development of inflammation.
The presence of sugar in the dog's diet. Long-term studies show that feeding a pet with sweet foods causes excessive formation of earwax, which is a favorable environment for the development of microorganisms.

Factors contributing to the development of otitis in dogs, veterinarians include:

Thick hair in the ear. Excess hair reduces the natural ventilation of the ear canal, increases humidity, and intensive production of earwax. These factors lead to the activity of opportunistic microflora and provoke otitis media. The risk group includes dog breeds that are characterized by increased density of wool in the area of the ears: lapdogs, giant schnauzers, setters.

Features of the anatomical structure. Erect, lop-eared, ears with a lot of folds give their four-legged owner a lot of health troubles. The peculiar structure of the auricle - hanging ears, many skin folds in the region of the outer ear are an ideal environment for the development of inflammation. With this structure, poor ventilation and self-cleaning mechanisms are noted.

The risk group includes breeds such as sharpei, basset hounds, spaniels, poodles. Owners of large erect ears - German Shepherds, suffer from otitis media due to the free entry of dirt and germs due to the large size of the ears.

Breed predisposition to the disease is due to the peculiarities of the anatomical structure of the auricles, the degree of their openness, the presence of many folds, thick wool. According to veterinary statistics, spaniels, sharpei, German shepherds, poodles, bulldogs, and many hunting breeds most often suffer from otitis media.

About the anatomy of the dog's ear and the causes of otitis externa, see this video:

Symptoms of the disease in dogs

The following clinical manifestations testify to the inflammatory process in the auricle in a tailed pet:

The dog often shakes its head, tilts it towards the diseased ear, constantly scratches its head in the ear area with its paws due to itching.

The purulent form of otitis is often accompanied by gurgling sounds when moving the head due to the accumulation of exudate.
When touched, the animal worries, whines and squeals.
At the entrance to the ear canal, the presence of crusts, scabs, and loose hair is noted.
Turning away the outer ear, you can observe redness, swelling of the tissues. The amount of sulfur produced exceeds its normal content. Often, purulent discharge of an unpleasant odor is found. The exudate may contain blood. Wool in the auricle stuck together.
The base of the ear is hot to the touch.
With a low level of immunity in a dog, general hyperthermia can be observed.
The animal loses its appetite. The thirst persists.
The state becomes apathetic, lethargic.
With a strong pain syndrome, the dog becomes aggressive, restless.

In severe cases, a sick dog may experience deafness (stops responding to sound stimuli) and strabismus due to a deep development of the inflammatory process that captures adjacent organs.

Types and their features

Veterinarians distinguish between primary and secondary types of the disease. An independent form of otitis media is primary. The most common is secondary otitis, which develops as a result of pet infection with ticks, the development of allergies, hormonal imbalance, etc.

outdoor, middle, indoor

According to the anatomical distribution of the inflammatory process, the disease of the outer, middle and inner ear is distinguished. The external form does not affect the eardrum, the inflammation is localized outside. Pathology of the middle part of the ear canal is fraught with hearing loss for the pet.

Otoscopy. The study of the auditory canal by the instrumental method allows to identify the nature and localization of the inflammatory process, to assess the condition of the tympanic membrane. The method allows you to detect a foreign body, neoplasms, polyps, etc.
Laboratory diagnostics. A blood test, microscopic and cytological examination of skin scrapings can identify the pathogen: determine the type of tick, bacteria, identify a pathogenic fungus, and also determine sensitivity to antibiotics.
Radiography. The method allows you to identify neoplasms, polyps.
Magnetic resonance and. Modern research methods are indispensable in assessing damage to the internal structures of the ear and the membranes of the brain by the inflammatory process.

In a number of studies, the animal is sedated or lightly anesthetized. The diagnosis is established on the basis of a comprehensive examination with the identification of the cause of the disease.

pet treatment

Given the variety of forms and varieties of inflammation, it is strictly forbidden to self-medicate with problems with the ears of four-legged friends. Only a qualified specialist should treat a sick pet based on laboratory tests.

Therapy for otitis in dogs is complex and has a local and general focus. Antibacterial drops and ointments with anti-inflammatory action are applied locally. Drugs relieve swelling, reduce itching. In veterinary practice, for inflammation of the ear canal, the following drops are prescribed: Otipax, Sofradex, Ciprovet, Aurizon, Otoferonol, Otinum and others. Means are selected based on the root cause of the disease.

Drops should be prescribed only by a veterinarian, since some drugs in their composition have antibiotics that have an ototoxic effect and are contraindicated in case of damage to the eardrum.

The general effect on the body with otitis is the use of antibiotics, sulfonamides in the form of tablets, intramuscular injections. Antimicrobial agents are applied according to the sensitivity test. Effective for otitis media are drugs such as Amoxicillin, Ceftriaxone (injections are made on lidocaine), Baytril and others.

In order to increase the immunity of a sick pet, a course of immunomodulators is carried out. Such drugs as Anandin, Roncoleukin, Gamavit are prescribed. Good results are obtained by the use of Cycloferon, Immunofan.

In the event that neoplasms, growths, polyps have become the cause of otitis media, they are removed surgically.

Get rid of inflammation at home

Therapeutic measures can be carried out by the owner and at home with strict adherence to the prescriptions of a veterinary specialist. The success of treatment largely depends on the correct preparation of the inflamed area for the use of drugs.

Before dripping the prescribed funds to the pet, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the auricle and passage from dirt, purulent masses, and accumulation of earwax. For this purpose, antiseptic agents are used: chlorhexidine, miramistin, boric acid. Hydrogen peroxide is used only to cleanse the outer ear.

Special wipes are suitable for the cleaning procedure. Ear sticks are not used in animal hygiene.

Prevention

Based on many years of medical practice, veterinarians have developed a set of preventive measures that allow owners to avoid ear problems in their four-legged pets:

regularly, pollution;
cut thick hair in the auricle;
prevent hypothermia of the pet;
during hygiene procedures, protect the ears from water ingress;
use only high quality feed;
exclude sugary foods from the dog's diet;
twice a year to conduct a professional examination of the auricles in a veterinary clinic.

Otitis in a dog is a polyetiological disease. The disease causes pain to the pet. In advanced cases, there is a high risk of developing inflammation of the brain, sepsis. Comprehensive diagnosis allows you to clarify the root cause that caused the inflammation. Treatment of the disease should take place only under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Useful video

To learn how to properly clean your dog's ears, see this video:

Otitis media in dogs

The inflammatory process in the ear, or in other words otitis media, can cause discomfort not only to a person. Pets often suffer from this disease, and for their acute hearing and delicate surfaces of the auricle, this is a rather difficult test. If the dog's ears become dirty very quickly, an unpleasant smell comes from them, the animal shakes its head very often and tries to comb its ears, then you should show the pet to the veterinarian. Most likely, we are talking about otitis media in dogs.

Types of ear inflammation

Otitis in a dog photo

There are several classifications of the disease. According to the localization of the infectious process, otitis is divided into:

External - inflammation affects the external auditory canal, located between the inlet and the surface of the tympanic membrane.
Medium - the inflammatory process penetrates deep into, behind the eardrum. Often accompanied by suppuration - this form of the disease is called purulent otitis media. With a neglected or complicated form of otitis media, inflammation of the outer and middle ear is often found.
Internal - a severe form of the disease, the lesion is localized in the inner ear and very often causes various kinds of complications.

Depending on the cause of the development of the disease, the following types are distinguished:

Primary otitis - occurs as an independent disease and proceeds without concomitant diseases.
Secondary otitis - inflammation is a complication of a dermatological disease. Most often, this type of otitis media appears against the background of atopic dermatitis, dermatosis, autoimmune diseases, damage to the adrenal glands or the thyroid gland.

There is a classification based on the causative agent of the disease:

Chronic otitis media is a complex inflammation that requires specialist advice. It is provoked by staphylococci, streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and also Escherichia coli.
Fungal otitis media (otomycosis) - fungal bacteria mix with earwax, begin to multiply rapidly, causing inflammation.
Bacterial otitis - pathogenic bacteria often cause the development of otitis media, and both one or both ears can be affected.
Allergic otitis - develops due to allergies or hormonal imbalance.

Risk group

Predisposing factors include hereditary predisposition and thallium intoxication. There is a connection between breeds and the development of otitis media, since the disease and its course are associated with the structure of the auricle.

Most often, inflammation develops in owners of long, hanging ears, which are hidden from natural ventilation and are an ideal "hotbed" for the development and reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms. Among breeds with a similar problem, spaniels and poodles can be noted.

But not only the owners of such ears can suffer from otitis media. Pets with a too open ear canal, such as East European Shepherds, are also victims of frequent inflammatory processes. Their hearing organ is not protected from the penetration of pathogenic bacteria.

Why does otitis media develop in dogs?

The primary form of the disease can manifest itself after hypothermia, injury to the animal, due to malnutrition or infection with helminths. There can be many reasons, and if the pet's immunity is reduced and cannot resist, then the disease affects the dog's ears.

If we are talking about an infectious agent, then most often they are streptococcus or staphylococcus, developing in a weakened animal body.

Signs of otitis media in dogs

The clinical picture of the disease is as follows:

the pet is restless, as he feels ear pain and itching;
purulent exudate flows from the ear, which has a nauseating odor, the discharge may contain an admixture of blood;
the pet often tilts its head and shakes its ears;
the ear canal turns red;
the ear becomes hot to the touch, the temperature in the affected area rises;
tissue swelling in the ear;
enlarged lymph nodes can be felt from the side of the inflamed organ;
the pet's appetite decreases;
the dog is lethargic, does not find a place for itself, can circle in the direction of the inflamed ear.

During severe forms of otitis in dogs, the following symptoms and complications are possible:

hearing loss;
development of strabismus;
the dog has difficulty eating - it is hard to chew due to pain;
discharge of exudate from the eyes.

Diagnosis of disease in dogs

Making the right early diagnosis is half the road to recovery. Veterinarians warn owners not to ignore the condition of the pet and not treat the disease on their own.

Therapy for otitis media in dogs

Given the variety of forms and types of the disease, it is difficult not to guess that there is no single treatment for otitis media in dogs. Each variety requires an individual approach:

Purulent otitis media - antibiotic therapy is mandatory, the affected auricles are treated with chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide.
Chronic otitis - involves the use of antibiotics, dexamethasone compresses are recommended. Candibiotic drops are also prescribed - a remedy that fights fungi and pathogenic bacteria.
Fungal otitis - Gaselan 2% is used, the ear is regularly treated using a phosphoric acid solution.
Bacterial otitis media - complex preparations with antifungal and antibacterial action are used for treatment, for example, the drug in the form of Surolan spray drops.
Allergic form of otitis - includes a three-month strict diet, antipruritic drops are prescribed to eliminate itching. If the allergy is of a permanent seasonal nature, you can use antihistamines prescribed by a veterinarian.

The most common antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs include the following:

For local treatment, camphor oil, aversectin ointment, Dekta are used, with tick-borne lesions - Amit ointment.

To increase and maintain the immune system, a course of Askorutin, Vitam, Gamavit and other vitamin preparations is prescribed.

Ear drops Otipax, Framycetin have an excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

Also for these purposes, you can purchase special lotions for cleaning the ears of the animal. If the disease has developed to a late stage and crusts have formed in the pet's auricles, hydrogen peroxide will help remove them.

Pet owners need to know that ear inflammation is treated quite poorly, especially in protracted, severe forms. Therefore, it is recommended that you contact your veterinarian at the first sign of illness.

An example of otitis on video:

Preventive measures

The owner must take care of the health of his pet, and therefore prevent the development of various kinds of diseases. Prevention of otitis media consists in the following actions:

do not allow hypothermia of the dog;
after bathing, you need to remove excess water with a cotton swab;
it is worth carrying out regular hygiene procedures - daily examination of the auricles and cleaning a couple of times a week;
it is required to provide a complete diet for the dog, if necessary, supplementing it with vitamin supplements;
limit contact of the dog with other unfamiliar animals;
If possible, avoid injury to your pet and stressful situations.

Otitis can cause deafness of the animal, and, in addition, cause a number of irreversible consequences. To prevent this from happening, you should carefully monitor your beloved dog, and not try to prescribe and conduct therapy on your own.

Otitis in a dog: treatment, symptoms, causes

Otitis media is one of the most common dog ear problems faced by pet owners. Otitis is a sign of an inflammatory process in the ears, but this does not mean that there is an infection in the ear. Ear infections can provoke otitis, and can be their consequence, i.e. one must clearly understand the difference between these two states.

General information about otitis and the causes of their occurrence

Inflammation of the ear canal causes a lot of inconvenience to the pet, including pain, itching, fever and general malaise. Initially, the structure of the ears in all dogs is such that there is always a risk of otitis media. There are also breeds with a clear predisposition to this pathology. These are the animals:

with long ears;
with hairs in the ear canal;
with skin folds on the body;
prone to allergic reactions.

The potential risk group is made up of breeds:

German Shepherds;
setters;
hunting dogs;
bulldogs;
spaniels;
sharpei;
bassets;
labradors.

In dogs, otitis occurs in the form of:

inflammation of the ear canal and outer ear (otitis externa);
inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media);
inflammation extending to the inner ear (the rarest type of otitis media).

If you do not find out the cause of otitis media, treat it incorrectly or not treat it at all, then this will all provoke perforation of the eardrum (rupture or dissolution of it with pus). In this case, purulent discharge will accumulate not only at the base of the auditory canal, but will also go to the inner ear, penetrating into the meninges. With such a course of the disease, at best, the dog will lose his hearing, at worst, he will die from purulent meningitis.

The main symptoms of ear problems

There are a number of main signs of otitis media, according to which the owner of the dog will involuntarily pay attention to his ears.

Symptoms of inflammation in the ears:

the presence of scratches, hematomas (bruises), wounds or any other damage on the ears;
a constant desire to scratch your ears or shake your head;
a lot of emitted sulfur (more than usual);
any kind of discharge (including purulent) with an unpleasant odor;
obvious signs of the inflammatory process - redness, swelling, soreness and an increase in local temperature;
hair loss on the ears (from scratching) or inside;
the presence of crusts and scabs around the ears or at the entrance to the ear canal;
soreness not only inside, but also the entire organ of hearing (the animal does not allow it to be examined);
an increase in submandibular lymph nodes with a prolonged inflammatory process;
changes in the general condition of the animal - depression, lack of appetite, fever, etc.

In addition to the general symptoms for all ear problems, there are individual clinical signs of otitis, depending on the causes:

with otitis media due to increased hair growth, in addition to the classic signs of inflammation, you can find hair growing deep in the ear, which must be removed both for the prevention of otitis media and before starting the treatment of an existing problem;
with ear mites, black-brown groaty discharges are observed, under which bleeding wounds can be observed during their separation. Both sides are usually affected;
bacterial or fungal otitis is usually accompanied by purulent discharge and an increase in local temperature. When sowing secretions on nutrient media, a specific causative agent of inflammation can be isolated;
with otitis due to tumors or foreign objects, in addition to all the signs, specific causes are revealed - in fact, tumors and foreign things that can only be detected by an otoscope due to their deep location in the ear canal;
with otitis media caused by the ingress and stagnation of water, the discharge is always liquid, although of a different nature (purulent, serous, cloudy or transparent);
if otitis is allergic, then usually signs of individual sensitivity appear on other parts of the body: urticaria, swelling, itching, etc.

What Hosts Shouldn't Do

You can not self-medicate, because. improperly selected antimicrobials will not help, cause bacteria to become resistant to other agents, and can also cause additional irritation and increased inflammation. If you find any sign that something is wrong with the hearing organ, you should immediately contact your veterinarian! How to treat otitis media depends on the cause of its occurrence, which can only be determined by a specialist.

You should not try to clean the dog's ears with ear sticks - it is impossible to clean the discharge as it should be, and there is also a risk of remaining cotton wool inside the ear cavity. In veterinary hospitals, the ears are cleaned with tweezers or a hemostatic clip, which firmly hold the cotton swab and, with a good metal support, allow you to clean out all dirt and secretions.

It is impossible to bury hydrogen peroxide in the ears of a dog - when it reacts with bleeding wounds and pus, it begins to foam strongly, which is perceived by the dog as a loud extraneous noise. The animal from fear can behave inappropriately. Peroxide can only process the auricles from the outside.

You can't clean your dog's ears if you've never done it before. There is a high risk of causing pain, after which the animal will in every possible way interfere with examinations even by veterinarians (it will run away, hide, bite, etc.).

How to help a dog with signs of otitis media before going to the vet

If it is not possible to immediately seek help from a veterinarian, the pet owner can somewhat alleviate his condition with simple procedures:

carefully inspect the organ of hearing, without causing pain to the dog and without using foreign objects, so as not to cause additional damage;
treat the outer surface of the ears with hydrogen peroxide and brilliant green, if there are wounds and scratches on the ears;
drip 3-4 drops into the ears with Otinum or Otipax preparations and gently massage the base of the ears (if there are no signs of pain). These are absolutely safe drops for dogs that relieve itching, eliminate pain, dissolve sulfur and soak crusts and plaque in the ear canal (if any). The funds do not give an antimicrobial load, eliminating the risk of developing resistance of the bacteria that caused inflammation before starting antibiotic therapy;
after soaking the ear contents and anesthesia, clean the ears with a cotton swab wound around tweezers. The procedure can only be carried out if you have experience in cleaning the ears of a dog! If up to this point you have never done cleaning in your life, it makes sense to wait for a visit to the veterinarian, removing pollution within the visible convolutions of the outer ear. If squelching is felt inside the pus or other contents in the absence of the ability to clean everything, a mixture of streptocide powders with boric acid (1: 5 ratio) is poured into the ear. If the dog wants to shake his head - you need to let her do it! Soaked dirt, secretions and sulfur will move closer to the outer ear, from where they can already be removed on their own;
if the dog has an increase in body temperature, you can give Analgin once as an antipyretic - inside 0.5 tab. / 10 kg or intramuscularly 0.1 ml / kg.

All subsequent treatment at home should be carried out with the drugs prescribed by the veterinarian and in the order determined by him.

In special cases, for example, when the auditory opening is overgrown, a reconstructive surgical intervention is performed, during which the ear canal is reshaped.

Important: it is impossible to cure secondary otitis without eliminating the cause that caused it! With one symptomatic treatment, the disease can become chronic.

The sequence of medical manipulations:

Ear cleaning. The external ear is cleaned with a swab well moistened with hydrogen peroxide or a 2% solution of salicyl-tannin alcohol. Soak and remove all crusts.
Ear cleaning. The ear canal is cleaned with a swab moistened with a solution of chlorhexidine or after instillation into the ear of prophylactic lotions or drops for cleaning the ears. Lotions and drops well soak the internal dirt, waste products of mites, dried blood, crusts, etc. In the process of cleaning the ears, material is taken for microscopy and bakposev to identify the causative agent of otitis media for the rational prescription of the drug.
Treatment of bleeding wounds with a solution of brilliant green.
With deep scratching and bleeding wounds on the surface of the auricle, the use of wound healing and antiseptic ointments is recommended.
After cleaning the ears, ear drops are used for their intended purpose, depending on the identified pathogen - antifungal, antimicrobial or antitick agents. If it is not possible to identify the pathogen, combined broad-spectrum drops are used to remove mites, fungi and microorganisms.
With purulent otitis of any etiology, general antibiotic therapy is prescribed for a course of 5-7 days.
If signs of general intoxication are observed, droppers with detoxicants are used.
Regardless of the degree of development of the disease and the causes of otitis media, immunostimulating agents are always prescribed.

Consolidated list of drugs for otitis media

They are most often used in the treatment of otitis media of various etiologies.

Otitis media in dogs

Otitis is an inflammatory process in the ear, which, as a rule, causes serious discomfort to both dogs and people. In other matters, animals suffer from this disease much more often.

Normally, in any dog, the glands located in the external auditory canals secrete a moderate amount of secretion, which protects the ear canal from dust, dirt, water and foreign substances. The nature and type of this secret is individual for each breed. But its quantity should be optimal. If you notice that after cleaning the ears, literally the next day, your dog’s ears are dirty again, and this secret smells unpleasant, and the dog shakes his head or scratches his ears, then you should immediately contact your veterinarian.

Otitis classification

By place of origin

There is a certain classification of varieties of this disease. Specialists share external and otitis media, starting from the localization of the focus of the disease.

Otitis externa- this is an inflammation of the external auditory canal, which is located between the opening of this passage and the tympanic membrane.

Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear, located behind the eardrum. The middle ear is made up of three bones that conduct sounds to the inner ear.

However, when the disease is at a severe stage, damage to both the middle and outer ear is possible.

Primary and secondary otitis media

Like many other diseases, otitis is also classified according to the cause of occurrence. If the disease occurs independently and is self-sufficient, we are dealing with primary otitis media.

If otitis has already arisen as a complication of some other dermatological disease, therapy should be applied in relation to secondary otitis media.

Secondary otitis can be provoked by:

Unlike many other diseases, there is a breed predisposition to otitis media. In fact, it all depends on the structure of the ears of different dogs.

At risk are animals with large and drooping ears that block the path of air, thereby creating excellent conditions for the development of pathogenic microflora. Spaniels and poodles suffer from similar body features.

However, there is an inverse relationship between otitis and the degree of openness of the ear canal. East European Shepherds, for example, have exactly the opposite problem - too open an ear provokes bacteria to enter the ear canal.

Chronic otitis externa. Visible swelling, excess discharge, inflammation of the eardrum.

Verrucous otitis (Characteristic reddening of the skin, the formation of "warts", atypical discharge of sulfur and pus in consistency)

Causes of Otitis in Dogs

Many factors influence the occurrence of otitis media. The disease can be caused, for example, by hypothermia and head injury, helminthiasis, a violation of the normal nutrition of the dog, the presence of an allergy, or a sharp drop in the level of body resistance - a decrease in immunity.

As for the causative agents of this disease, they are staphylococci and streptococci - one of the most famous bacteria. They are in the body on an ongoing basis, but they can cause harm only with reduced immunity. Any failure in the body's defense system leads to the growth of pathogenic microflora.

Otitis media symptoms in dogs

Clinical signs indicating the presence of otitis are:

pain in the ear;
purulent discharge with a sharp unpleasant odor, in which blood may be present;
frequent shaking of the ears;
the dog often tilts its head;
redness of the ear canal;
an increase in temperature in the affected area;
the appearance of swelling in the ear;
swollen lymph nodes due to inflammation;
a sharp decrease in appetite;
lethargy, depression.

If the dog suffers from otitis media or internal otitis media, the following signs may appear:

deafness;
strabismus;
difficulty chewing due to pain;
discharge from the eye sockets;
the dog may roll towards the inflamed side of the head.

Diagnosis of the disease

There can be many causes and etiological factors that support inflammation of the ear canal in dogs. Eliminating them and treating a pet depends on the nature and nature of the disease. That is why it is so important to conduct a thorough examination and establish a diagnosis before starting treatment, otherwise the treatment may not be effective and even aggravate the situation.

Diagnosis of the disease is carried out differentially in the following areas:

Only on the basis of a comprehensive examination, the doctor can make a diagnosis and prescribe an effective treatment. It is worth remembering that all varieties of otitis do not go away on their own, self-treatment or neglect of the disease leads to serious consequences.

Some of the above procedures may be performed under anesthesia. As a rule, this becomes necessary only if the dog behaves aggressively.

If a secondary form of otitis is suspected, the most difficult thing is to identify the root cause of the disease. Finding the primary source, the doctor determines the starting point of treatment.

Treatment of otitis media

Treatment of ear diseases should be comprehensive and aimed at eliminating the primary causes of the disease and leveling (until completely eliminated) the harmful effects of supporting factors. This is possible only if there is a competent combination of a course of general therapy (antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs (Otibiovin, Otoferanol, Otipaks, Normax) and local treatments with such agents as: camphor oil, aversectin ointment and Amit (with tick-borne invasions), "Amidel-gel", "Dekta", "Acaromectin", etc. Such drugs as "Gamavit", "Ascorutin", etc. will help to maintain immunity and speed up recovery. To relieve pain in the ear canal, a specialist can Advise special ear drops such as Otipax or Framycetin.These drugs relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the affected areas.In addition, some of them will also help relieve itching.

Most modern veterinary drugs used in the treatment of diseases of the ears of dogs act in several directions and have anti-inflammatory, local anesthetic and antimicrobial effects. But they should be used only after a full examination and as directed by a doctor.

What you can do at home before visiting the veterinarian is to clean out excess secretions with a special lotion, hydrogen peroxide, petroleum jelly, or saline. Do not use anything at your own discretion. You can only hurt your dog.

If the disease is at an advanced stage, and prolonged scratching of the affected area has led to the formation of crusts, they can be removed from the surface of the ear using ordinary hydrogen peroxide. The resulting small wounds can be treated with brilliant green - this will help to avoid infections.

If the amount of pus began to increase rapidly, and the ear is already beginning to squish, the ear canal can be very carefully cleaned with boric alcohol.

Remember, otitis media responds well to treatment, but it will be effective and fast only under the supervision of a specialist.

Disease prevention

For effective prevention of the disease, first of all, it is necessary to avoid factors that can cause it. In addition, it is necessary to carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene of the dog and at least once a week to inspect and treat the ear.

As mentioned earlier, ear problems can be a direct result of a dog's reduced immune system. The inability of the body to adequately respond to a threat can occur due to a number of reasons. To be sure that the pet will cope with the attack of the virus, it is necessary to carefully monitor its nutrition, which should include all the necessary vitamin complex, proteins, fats and complex carbohydrates. Constant stress should also be avoided - they also reduce the body's resistance.

Otitis media in dogs: types and symptoms

Ear inflammation or otitis in dogs is one of the most common reasons for visiting the clinic. Chronic and acute otitis media undermine the immunity and general health of pets. The dog becomes irritable, sometimes even naughty and nervous due to constant pain. In severe cases, the pet may die. What is otitis media and how to notice this ailment in time?

general information

Otitis externa is an inflammation of the part of the ear that ends at the tympanic membrane. This is the easiest type of otitis media, because. the hearing aid is not affected. The disease is easily treated if the cause of the disease is correctly established and therapy is started on time. If you delay a visit to the veterinarian, perforation (rupture) of the membrane and the transition of inflammation to the middle section are possible.

Otitis media is the most common form of this disease. The auditory ossicles (hammer, anvil and stirrup) are located in the middle section, so serious damage can lead to hearing impairment or loss. The infection enters the middle ear from the outer section, from the nasopharynx (rhinitis, bad teeth, virus) or from the blood stream. Otitis media in an untreated dog may progress to the inner ear. Therefore, one should not delay a visit to the doctor, one should not rely on self-healing, advice from friends, etc.

otitis media rare, but very dangerous. If the treatment is delayed, the pet can become completely deaf and even die due to meningitis if the inflammation has passed from the ear to the meninges. In addition to general symptoms, dizziness, vomiting, salivation, strange movements of the paws or head are possible with internal otitis media - the dog loses orientation in space (there is a vestibular apparatus in the internal section).

Ear otitis in dogs is purulent, exudative (sulfuric discharge) and catarrhal, acute and chronic. More often than others, pets with a very wide or narrowed ear canal suffer from otitis media. Hanging ears, especially tightly pressed to the head, block the air flow to the ears, which is why the inside of the ear canal is constantly warm and humid - a paradise for bacteria.

Otitis often develops due to insufficient or excessive care of the pet's ears (dirty ears or cleaned to a shine, devoid of a protective layer of sebum and sulfur). The reasons may not be directly related to the ears - low immunity, exhaustion, constant hypothermia and sleeping on a draft / cold floor, hormonal surges, bad teeth.

Infectious otitis media

Viruses, fungi and bacteria are the main enemies of the ears and the most frequent provocateurs of otitis media. Pathogenic microflora can develop externally and internally (bad teeth, rhinitis, general infection). In the case of any infection, the signs of otitis media are clear and characteristic:

reddened, thickened, bumpy, crusted or glossy, as if stretched, skin;

discharge (something yellowish, greenish or greyish constantly flowing from the ear or both ears);

pain (the pet does not allow you to touch your ears, growls or runs away, whines when touched, squeals and jumps up in a dream);

squelching with light pressure on the ear.

The pet shakes its head in a peculiar way, as if it wants to throw off something that is interfering. Some pets rub their ears on the floor or furniture, yawn forcefully, or often open their mouths wide (a reflexive attempt to relieve congestion). If the treatment is delayed, the temperature may rise, food refusal, general lethargy, unwillingness to play and walk - everything shows that the pet is sick and weakened.

bacterial otitis media develops in a similar way. Some bacteria (such as cocci) can also spread throughout the body, but this is less common than with a fungus. But viruses, unlike fungi and bacteria, rarely affect the ears directly. More often, viral otitis is understood as a complication after a viral illness - enteritis, distemper, etc.

Allergic otitis media

It is impossible to determine allergic otitis by eye - reddened combed ears in dogs, thick discharge, head tilted to one side, intolerance to touch. The pet is in pain, he shakes his head, tears his ears with his claws. These same symptoms can talk about any other type of otitis media. But with allergies, standard therapy is ineffective, so the veterinarian must definitely control the treatment process.

Traumatic otitis media

Regardless of the cause, chronic otitis media in dogs is more difficult to treat than acute and often recurs at the slightest provocation. We swam, walked in the rain, lingered outside in the cold, the pet was frightened to stress, scratched his ears because of a tickling hair - a complication. Constant pain makes the dog naughty and irritable. It is very difficult to live with such a pet, but it is even more difficult for the dog itself, who is tired of frequent visits to the clinic, painful examinations and attempts at treatment. Caring owners should understand that a doctor is not able to make a diagnosis based on a photo of diseased ears or a description of symptoms (by phone, online consultation). Please contact your veterinarian in time!

Otitis in dogs - the main signs and effective methods of treatment

Any infection can cause otitis media in dogs, so it is ubiquitous. The disease of the external and internal sections of the hearing aid affects large pets and small puppies, animals with ears of various shapes. It is advisable for responsible dog breeders to carefully familiarize themselves with the causes of this unpleasant ailment.

Otitis in dogs - symptoms

Veterinarians are constantly faced with a variety of inflammatory processes in the hearing aid, causing suffering to our pets. Signs of otitis in dogs are easy for experienced owners to detect. Hearing loss, itching and headaches immediately manifest themselves in an unpleasant way, forcing the animals to change their behavior. Careful observation and examination of the head quickly helps to detect an infection at an early stage.

How does otitis media present in dogs?

Animals shake their heads strangely and often.
The skin in the sore spot becomes bumpy with thickenings.
Pets react painfully to a simple touch on the head.
As a result of a visual inspection, the dog breeder may find incomprehensible discharge.
With otitis in dogs, our four-legged friends often itch, tilt their heads unusually.
When you press the ear, squelching sounds are heard.
There are strong scratches on the head.
The ears of a puppy with otitis media are hot.
The disease leads to exhaustion, loss of appetite, makes the dog irritable.
With otitis in dogs, it is visually easy to notice the redness of the ears.
Often there is an increase in the lymph nodes under the jaw.
There are signs of pain when opening the mouth.

The causes of this disease are diverse and common, it is difficult to insure and prevent one hundred percent otitis media in dogs. Some breeds are more susceptible to this infection than others. These include animals with long or heavily furred ears, pets with large folds on the head. A small enumeration of the main factors that lead to inflammation of the ear canals will help to understand this unpleasant problem.

Common factors that cause otitis media in dogs include:

Tick infestation in pets.
The presence of a tumor.
The structure of the ear canals and head facilitates the spread of infection.
Infection of the auricle with fungi or pathogens.
Incorrect or infrequent cleaning of coat and ears.
A foreign body clogged the auricle.
Frequent bathing leads to moisture getting inside the ear canal.
An allergic reaction of the organism of animals, provoking scratching of the skin.
Weakened immunity.

Types of otitis media in dogs

Having found signs of this disease, you need to carefully examine the animal in a gentle way, to find out the main cause of this problem. It is desirable to study both ears closely. Sometimes external symptoms indicate the defeat of one passage, but often a latent inflammation begins in the second shell. Depending on the type of otitis media in dogs, its symptoms and treatment may vary. There are inflammation of the middle and inner ear, there are several external forms of this disease. All types of otitis require immediate timely treatment.

Purulent otitis media in dogs

Otitis in dogs of a purulent form is easily detected by a foul-smelling oily secret. This process is caused by microorganisms or fungi that can ulcerate the mucous membrane and eardrum. Chlorhexidine, povidone-iodine antiseptic, acetic acid, peroxide, and other medicinal solutions are suitable for therapy. The affected areas are treated with effective means, when the disease passes into the middle ear, potent drugs are used - antibiotics, fungicides, ointments and creams of the glucocorticoid group.

Allergic otitis media in dogs

It is advisable to carefully study the living conditions of the pet, to eliminate the possibility of contact with the irritant. The sore ear should be washed with antiseptics, removing pus from the passage. In case of complications, the veterinarian can prescribe specific therapy in addition to drops, lotions and ointments, if dangerous microorganisms have settled in the places of scratching at the time of the examination.

Malassezia otitis media in dogs

This otitis refers to skin diseases that can be detected on the mucous membrane with the appearance and increased spread of malassezia pachydermatis fungi in the body. Under normal conditions, microorganisms manifest themselves weakly, in order for inflammation of the inner ear in dogs or the outer shell of the shell to reach critical values, special favorable conditions or weakened immunity are necessary.

In the worst cases, malassezia is complicated by the appearance of pathogenic microflora, the development of a bacterial infection, so it must be treated immediately. If a fungus is found in a microscope, then it is expelled with chlorhexidine, sulfur, miconazole. The skin is treated with special shampoos with a therapeutic effect. The skin is treated with ointments twice a day, the treatment lasts a long time, often up to several weeks.

Fungal otitis media in dogs

For a disease of this genus, a special name was coined - otomycosis. It can be an independent problem or appear as a complication of bacterial infections, tick bites, and allergic reactions of the body. Scratching provokes otomycosis, which leads to wounds and abrasions that violate the integrity of the skin. Often they affect animals that have previously suffered from severe infections, four-legged friends with a weakened immune system.

Bacterial otitis media in dogs

This disease is caused not by a fungus, but by infections in the form of streptococci, staphylococci involved in pathogenesis. They are well affected by neomycin, chloramphenicol, in especially acute cases and relapses, gentamicin is used. Organisms of the Pseudomonas group are eliminated by polymyxin B, glucocorticoids. If chronic otitis in dogs is not treatable, then strong agents are used - sulfadiazine, chlorhexidine, ceftiofur, Tris-EDTA paired with gentamicin.

Verrucous otitis media in dogs

The second name of this disease is warty otitis media. This is a skin form of the disease that causes special formations in the ears of the animal. Warts significantly narrow the ear canal, eventually blocking the canal completely. In this case, it is not possible to effectively clean the passages of sulfur, remove pus, which complicates the disease. In the initial stage, ear inflammation in a dog is treated with drops and powders, removing deposits. In difficult cases, the growths are removed by excising a part of the auditory canal, preventing unwanted changes in the cartilage tissue.

Treatment of otitis media in dogs

Serious forms of inflammation of the ear canal are eliminated under the supervision of veterinarians, but when a specialist cannot be found quickly, you have to use the means available at home. If you find otitis in a dog, then you can try to find it in your medicine cabinet. Simple manipulations and some common human medicines help in cases where the disease is in the early stages.

First aid for a dog with otitis:
Gauze swabs with chlorhexidine or miramistim are suitable for treating the auricle.
To remove sulfur, use hygienic lotions sold in pet stores.
If the ear is tightly clogged, then with the help of saline, careful douching is performed.
The crust and pus are removed with swabs dipped in boiled water.
Then ear medicines are dripped into the passage - Anandin Plus, Sofradex, Otinum.
Finish the procedure with a light massage of the auricle, repeat the treatment 2 times a day.

Ampicillin for suppurative otitis media in dogs

A variety of human antibiotics for otitis in dogs are often used, but it is advisable to prescribe them on the advice of a specialist. Ampicillin is given to animals an hour before a meal or a couple of hours after a meal. The dosage must be observed exactly so as not to harm the animals. Dogs are prescribed this antibiotic at a dose of 20-40 mg orally or 10-20 mg / kg intramuscularly per 1 kg of body weight with a frequency of 8 hours a day, the course of treatment is 5 days.

Dimexide for otitis in a dog

This tool is suitable for topical use, it dissolves easily in alcohol and is used to destroy many microorganisms. It is prescribed in cases where the disease has passed into the middle and inner ear, and the recommended drops in the dog's ears do not help with inflammation. A swab is impregnated with a 10% solution and put into the auditory canal for half an hour. With external otitis, applications are made from dimexide. Wipes soaked in a light solution are applied to the auricle.

Amoxicillin for otitis media in dogs

An antibiotic is prescribed for the treatment of advanced otitis media. It is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly, observing the dosage of 1 ml per 10 kg of the pet's weight. It is necessary to observe a four-legged patient, in case of undesirable reactions, stop taking amoxicillin and change the drug. This medicine for otitis in dogs is prescribed for diseases of the middle ear to destroy pathogenic bacteria.

Levomekol with otitis in a dog

Levomekol is supplied in the form of ointments, the active ingredient in it is levomycetin, which kills up to 20 types of pathogens. Such preparations for the treatment of otitis in dogs are excellent in the early stages. The ointment enters the ear canal with a swab, which is left for 10 minutes in the diseased ear, where it is absorbed into the skin. Leaving the animal unattended during the procedure is undesirable. Levomikol treatment is repeated 2 times a day.

Otitis in dogs: symptoms and treatment at home

Causes of otitis media in dogs

Otitis media symptoms in dogs

Otitis in a dog photo.

purulent and bloody discharge from the ears;
bad smell;
redness of the skin in the inner part of the auricle;
in severe cases, inflammation of the submandibular lymph nodes;
pain with wide yawning;
periodic deafness;
heaviness when taking solid food;
discharge from the eyes;
with complications, meningitis and inflammation of the vestibular apparatus are observed.

Treatment of otitis media in dogs

If you notice symptoms of otitis media in your dog, contact your veterinarian immediately to start treatment. There are different types of otitis media depending on the infection.

Purulent otitis in a dog. A purulent, foul-smelling liquid flows from the dog's ear. With the advanced phase of the disease of purulent otitis media, the dog may experience ulcerative processes and perforation of the eardrum. In the course of treatment, antibiotics, a solution of hydrogen peroxide and chlorhexidine are used.
Chronic otitis media cause bacteria staphylococcus, streptococcus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. Chronic otitis requires serious treatment under the guidance of a veterinarian. For the treatment of chronic otitis, veterinarians prescribe compresses with dexamethasone and antibiotics, as well as Candibiotic drops.
Otitis externa in dogs- a disease of the external ear, which is manifested by inflammation of the hair follicle, or a bacterial-fungal infection of the ear canal, accompanied by eczema, itching, swelling. For the treatment and prevention of the disease, use Vetzim drops.
Fungal otitis media in dogs also called otomycosis, it can be both an independent and a secondary disease. Inflamed skin loses its protective properties, and the fungus provokes an additional infection, resulting in otitis media. It all starts with severe itching, after which a large amount of sulfur appears, which mixes with fungal bacteria. The dog's ear turns red and inflammation begins, swelling, purulent discharge, and a sour unpleasant odor are also possible. This form of otitis is treated by treating the ear with a solution of phosphoric acid, as well as with Gaselan 2%.
Bacterial otitis media in dogs- a fairly common disease of the auricle, which is accompanied by itching. Otitis can affect one or both ears at once, inflammation of the ear causes purulent discharge, redness and an unpleasant smell from the ears. In the case of fungal or bacterial otitis, Surolan spray drops are used to treat.
Allergic otitis media in dogs- often occurs as a result of an allergic reaction, or hormonal imbalance. Accompanied by abundant secretion of earwax and intensive reproduction of fungi in the microflora. The dog develops itching, which he tries to stop by scratching the ears, as a result of which irritation and ulcers occur, as well as a brown discharge and a purulent consistency.

How to properly clean the ears of a dog (part of the prevention of otitis media):

Treatment of otitis media in dogs at home

we treat the dog's ear with saline chlorhexidine or miramistin. The solution is applied to a gauze swab in a small amount.
carefully presses the ear to evenly distribute the therapeutic fluid. We remove sulfur from the ear with the help of an exudate solution, which is sold in pet stores.
moisten a clean swab with boiled water and remove the discharge and crusts. A clogged ear canal can be cleared with saline by douching.
after cleaning, you need to drip into the ear the following ear drops for dogs from otitis to choose from: Anandin plus, Otinum, Sofradex, Otipax. For small breed dogs, 2 drops in each ear, and for large breed dogs, 5 drops.
after, gently massage the ear. The procedure should be repeated twice a day, no more than two weeks, if there are no changes, use other drops.

Otitis in dogs: identify symptoms and treat at home

Due to the specific structure of the ear, dogs are often prone to otitis media. Often, inflammation of the middle ear in dogs is diagnosed, internal and external are less common.

The disease causes discomfort and severe pain to the pet. A visit to the veterinarian will help relieve the dog of uncomfortable sensations and prevent it from developing into a chronic form. A neglected disease can develop into complete deafness and provoke the death of a pet.

The root causes of otitis media

Otitis in a dog is born for several reasons:

Ear mites are a common cause of ear infections in dogs. Infection, possibly from infected animals.
The tumor becomes a provocateur of otitis media if it clogs the ear canal and prevents the "ventilation" of the ear.
Allergies to food, treats, medicines, and shampoo can cause ear problems in dogs.
Foreign object in the ear. Often, plant seeds, midges or blades of grass get into the ear, thereby causing otitis media in a dog.

Often an illness develops due to insufficient care for the pet's ears, but it also happens vice versa, excessive cleaning of the ears leads to the destruction of the protective layer, sebum and sulfur secretions.

The reason can also be a weak immune system, bad teeth and hormonal failure.

The predisposition of individual breeds to otitis media

Some breeds are more prone to this disease. Most often - dogs with large drooping ears: Cocker Spaniel, Basset Hound, Dachshund and others. Hanging ears block the auditory opening and interfere with "airing", which creates a "paradise" for the reproduction and life of pathogenic microbes.

East European Shepherds also often suffer from this ailment. The structure of the ear does not prevent the penetration of dust and microorganisms into it.

Dogs with expressive folds on the muzzle, actively swimming and those who live in high humidity are also at risk.

The owner can easily recognize the first symptoms of otitis in a dog:

often shakes his head, claws at a sore ear and reacts to touching it;
on examination, discharge with an uncharacteristic odor and swelling are noticeable;
ear hot to the touch;
the dog lies more, turns away from the food.

If you find such symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

Diagnostics

During the examination, the doctor visually assesses the signs of otitis in the dog: the condition of the ears, nasopharynx, mouth and eyes. In parallel, asking questions about feeding, vaccinations and existing pathologies.

In some cases, x-rays are used. This happens if the studies are not informative enough. It shows the presence or absence of tumors and polyps in the nasopharynx. A CT scan or MRI may also be done to rule out the possibility of brain inflammation. Some manipulations can be performed under general anesthesia.

Therapy is prescribed only according to the results of the tests. A specialist should tell you how to cure otitis media in a dog. Otherwise, the treatment will not bring results, and the situation will aggravate.

Varieties of otitis media and their features

Depending on the causes of infection, otitis media transforms into different forms with dissimilar symptoms.

Purulent otitis in dogs is expressed by discharge from the ears of a yellow-green substance with a sugary-sweet odor. If treatment is not done in time, weeping ulcers form and the likelihood of a violation of the integrity of the eardrum increases, which inevitably leads to deafness.

Chronic

This form of the disease is provoked by the bacteria staphylococcus and streptococcus. An animal with such a diagnosis needs careful and long-term treatment.

So, fungal otitis in dogs is called. Its development occurs for many reasons - reduced immunity, allergic reactions, various infections. Most often, this is a secondary disease that manifested itself as a result of improper treatment of other forms. The ear becomes red and hot, there is an increased secretion of sulfur and an unpleasant sour smell. In the absence of therapy, the fungus diverges to the entire epithelium.

Bacterial

The development of otitis in dogs occurs in a similar way to fungal. But spread over the entire surface of the skin is less common. Such otitis can be a complication after a viral infection - distemper or enteritis. Accompanied by constant itching and discharge of pus.

Allergic

It is impossible to diagnose allergic otitis in dogs “by eye”, it can have symptoms of all available forms. The culprits are often food, shampoos, even household chemicals and plant pollen.

Traumatic

The cause may be a blow to the head, injuries after a fight, scratches and rubbish in the ear canal. When the wound becomes inflamed, pathological bacteria begin to multiply, which causes ear inflammation in the dog, treatment should begin as soon as possible.

In slushy weather, an increased content of sulfur is observed in the dog's ears, which leads to the transformation of sulfur seals and the development of a bacterial infection against this background.

Treatment at home

If otitis media is found in dogs, how to treat at home? For the first time, you can alleviate the condition of the pet at home.

As home measures, you can apply:

In the presence of strong scratching, the inner surface of the ear is wiped with hydrogen peroxide and carefully dried with a gauze bandage. Scratches are smeared with green paint.
If pus has accumulated and the ear “squishes”, it should be carefully cleaned with boric alcohol, blotted dry and covered with streptocide powder.
Dark plaque can provoke mites. In this case, the auricle is freed from sulfur accumulations and lubricated with phenothiazine.

Manipulations should be carried out very carefully so as not to cause irritation in the affected areas.

Remember that self-treatment of otitis in a dog can lead to serious complications. Therefore, contacting a veterinarian is an important measure.

Drops from otitis media

For the complex treatment of fungal otitis, drugs are prescribed, which are based on miconazole, clotrimazole or nystatin.

Treatment of suppurative otitis media in dogs is best done with antibiotic dog ear drops.

Otibiovet- 4-5 drops. At the beginning of the development of the disease 3-4 times a day, after 3 days 2-3 times.
Otipax- 4 drops, apply 2-3 times a day for ten days.
Anandin, here the dose depends on the size of the pet. Dwarfs need 3 drops, medium - 4, and large breeds will need 5 drops. The medicine is used for 3-4 days twice a day. It is required to repeat the course in a week, unless otherwise prescribed by the doctor.

Leopard- 3 drops for dwarf, 4 for medium and 5 for large dogs. Processing is carried out twice with an interval of a week.
Amitrazine applied once a day with an interval of 3 days. The procedure must be carried out until the symptoms disappear.

Otitis caused by trauma is treated with drugs that promote wound healing:

Otopedin. Since these ear drops for dogs are quite toxic, the ears are treated once a week for 2-3 drops. After manipulation, the ears are fixed in the open state for twenty minutes.
aurican it is necessary to drip 5 drops for small dogs, 10-15 drops for medium ones, and 20 to 30 drops for large ones. During the week, the drug is used daily, then twice a week for another 25-30 days.

In order for ear drops for dogs to work more effectively, you must follow some rules:

before the procedure, clean the ears of the pet;
warm drops in the palm of your hand before use;
when instilled, you need to pull the ear towards the spine, then press and massage a little.

Medical treatment

Let's look at a few effective schemes for treating otitis media in a dog. The proposed life examples will help you navigate and build the right treatment for your pet.

Patient: large dog, weight 40 kg, age 4 years. Complaints of the owner: does not allow petting on the head, the dog's ear hurts. Diagnosis: otitis exudative external.

Hydrogen peroxide. With a damp swab, wipe the inside of the auricle and passage. Cleansing from crusts, pus and excess sulfur.
Chlorhexidine. Wipe the peroxide-treated ear for half a month twice a day.
Bepanten. Lubricate the inside of the ear with ointment 2 times in 24 hours, the course is two weeks. In severe situations, it is allowed to use Fluorocort or Lorinden.
Sofradex - inject 3-5 drops into both ears twice a day for 14 days.

Synulox or Klamoksil. Inject into the thigh once in the morning, 5-7 days, 4 ml.
Suprastin. In the withers - we prick 1 ml in the morning and in the evening - a weekly course.
Serrata. It is necessary to prick twice with an interval of 12 hours for 1 pill - 10 days.

Patient: male, age - 7 years, weight - 12 kg. Complaints of the owner: the dog is restless, flows from the ear. Diagnosis: purulent otitis media in the chronic stage.

Peroxide - twice a day, two weeks.
Chlorhexidine - two-time treatment up to two weeks.
Bepanten - twice a day for two weeks.
Sofradex - 3-5 drops every 12 hours. The course of treatment is two weeks.

In a difficult situation, the following mixture of drops is acceptable:

Ceftriaxone 1 bottle + Dioxidine 10 ml + 5 ml Novocaine 0.5% + Suprastin 2 ml + Dexomethasone 3 ml + vitamin B12 2 ml + Dimexide 0.5-1 ml. This suspension should be injected 3-5 drops into both ears with a 12-hour interval. The course of treatment lasts 14 days.

At night, it is necessary to apply a gauze swab dipped in a mixture: 2 ml of Lincomycin, 1 ml of Dexamethasone, Suprastin 1 ml and Novocaine 2% 3 ml. Treatment should continue for 10 nights.

Sinulox - intramuscularly 3 ml once, the course of treatment is a week. Let's also mix Cefogram 1 bottle with Lidocaine 8 mg. Inject 2.5 ml of the formulated preparation 1-2 times a day.
Suprastin - prick 0.5 ml into the outer part of the thigh, morning and evening for 7 days.
Serrata - twice a capsule - no longer than 10 days.
Liarsin - 1 pill 2 times a day - 10 days.
Mezim - for 12-14 days, take 1 capsule twice a day.

Blockade with novocaine at the root of the ear may also be useful. For this, novocaine 05% is used, 7 ml twice a day. The duration of treatment is 1 week.

Antibiotics for otitis in dogs should be taken with caution, for example, if the eardrum is damaged, drops with an ototoxic antibiotic in the composition are contraindicated.

Preventive measures

In order not to wonder how to treat otitis in a dog, you should carefully monitor your pet.

In order to prevent it is worth taking the following measures:

regular examination of the dog's ears;
cleaning as it gets dirty;
plucking wool in the auricle;
never wash the ears of a healthy animal, this increases the moisture in the ear;
in slush and frost, pets with chronic otitis media should wear a hat;
visiting the veterinary office at least 2 times a year for a preventive examination.

We wish your pet a speedy recovery.

In our video, the veterinarian tells and shows how to properly clean the ears of a dog.

Treatment of otitis in a dog at home: symptoms and signs, antibiotics

Does the dog often scratch its ears, bend its head and whine plaintively at the same time? All these symptoms may indicate that the animal has otitis media - inflammation of the inner, outer or middle part of the ear. This disease is very dangerous for the health of a four-legged pet, because it not only gives him pain and discomfort, but can also cause hearing loss, inflammation of the brain, and subsequently even lead to the death of the dog. Therefore, each owner should know how to recognize the signs of otitis media and what methods of treating this disease can be used at home.

Inflammatory otitis in animals: causes

A variety of factors can provoke inflammation of the ear - from the presence of worms in the body of an animal to trauma to the auricle.

Otitis media is an inflammation of the ear.

And before starting treatment for a pet, the owner should find out what caused the otitis media.

What can cause otitis

There are many drugs available to treat otitis media effectively, but the owner should consult a veterinarian before using any medication. After all, only a qualified specialist can establish a diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.

How to Recognize the Symptoms and Signs of Otitis in a Dog

Symptoms of inflammation of the auricle are often pronounced, so it will not be difficult for an attentive owner to determine that his four-legged pet was struck by this dangerous disease.

Constant itching in the ear area is one of the symptoms of otitis media.

Otitis is accompanied by itching, as a result of which the animal is constantly scratches ears, often scratching them until they bleed.
If the dog often shakes his ears and tilts his head, this may indicate the first symptoms of otitis media.
An animal with inflammation of the ears experiences severe pain, so the pet becomes restless, goes in circles and can't seem to find a place.
Sometimes doggie refuses to eat, games do not arouse any interest in him and he is reluctant to go for a walk.
Dog looks tired and sick.
When the owner tries to touch the sore ear, the dog runs away, and in some cases bares its teeth and can even bite the owner.
The skin of the auricle becomes red and inflamed, hot to the touch.
After cleaning the ears, they already on the second or third day, a large amount of sulfur accumulates.
Otitis media can also be recognized by such signs as purulent discharge from the ears with an unpleasant odor. Sometimes there may be blood streaks in the discharge.
In some cases, the dog has enlarged lymph nodes in the neck.
The fact that the pet while eating or when trying to yawn suddenly starts scratching his ears and whining plaintively.

Complications

If the treatment of otitis media is not started in time, the disease can become chronic and cause the following complications:

Partial or complete hearing loss;
Sometimes dogs develop strabismus or purulent discharge from the eyes;
The animal has a fever
The area inside the ear is swollen and swollen.

Pus from the eyes of a dog may appear with a complication.

If the owner has noticed at least one of the above symptoms in his pet, then he needs to urgently take the dog to the veterinary clinic, because it is much easier to cure the disease in the early stages than when it goes into advanced form.

Varieties and forms of otitis media

Before treatment, the diagnosis of the disease is carried out.

There are several types of otitis and treatment is prescribed depending on the form of this disease. That is why it is so important to correctly diagnose the disease and determine what type of inflammation the pet has undergone.

Allergic form of otitis media

Allergic otitis can be identified by symptoms such as redness of the inner and outer part of the auricle and a large number of sulfur plugs in the ear. In this case, swelling in the ears and the presence of discharge with an unpleasant odor can also be observed. The reason for this type of otitis media lies in the animal's allergy to certain components that make up the feed or to an improperly selected bathing shampoo.

With an allergic form of otitis media, discharge with an unpleasant odor is observed.

And also allergic otitis media can be caused by a malfunction in the hormonal system of the dog.

To prevent the occurrence of allergic otitis media, you should take a responsible approach to the choice of pet food and purchase shampoos and gels for water procedures without harmful chemical additives. But it must also be remembered that air fresheners are very bad for the respiratory system of dogs Therefore, it is undesirable to use them in the presence of a pet.

Otitis caused by allergies can eventually become chronic, so do not delay its treatment.

Bacterial form of otitis media

Bacterial otitis media is caused by an infection.

Bacterial inflammation of the ears is caused by an infection caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus viruses. This type of otitis media manifests itself in swelling and redness of the inside of the ears, which are accompanied by foul-smelling discharge and itching.

Bacterial otitis media most often affects only one ear, although in the absence of appropriate treatment, the disease spreads to the other ear and can turn into a purulent form.

Otomycosis (fungal otitis media)

Most often, this form of otitis occurs as a result of flea or tick bites, which the dog combs, thereby introducing an infection. With fungal otitis, both the outer and inner parts of the ears are covered with inflamed ulcers and wounds. In some cases, the cartilage of the auricle swells, and an excessive amount of sulfur with a sour smell accumulates in the ears.

Fungal otitis occurs when a flea bites.

Dogs with a weakened immune system and older animals are especially susceptible to the fungal form of otitis media.

Purulent form of otitis media

This form of otitis is easily recognized by a large amount of purulent discharge from the pet's ears, which have an oily structure and an unpleasant odor. The skin in the ear area becomes inflamed, reddened and begins to peel off. Often, this is observed deformation of the eardrum and the presence of bleeding ulcers and abrasions on the ears of the animal.

With this form of otitis media, profuse discharge of pus is characteristic.

The purulent form of otitis media is the most dangerous for a dog's life, because pus can penetrate the dog's brain, which is fatal. Therefore, at the first symptoms of inflammation, treatment should be started immediately, preferably under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Verrucous or warty form of otitis media

This type of otitis got its name due to warts that form inside the ears. The danger of otitis verrucous lies in the fact that it is quite difficult to detect at the initial stage, since the owner of a four-legged pet does not always notice small warts in the dog's ears. With time growths increase in size, completely blocking access to the inside of the auricle because of which it becomes impossible to clean the dog's ears from sulfur and secretions.

Verrucous otitis media in a dog.

If the disease is started, then it may even be necessary to remove warts surgical intervention. Therefore, you should regularly inspect the pet's ears during their cleaning in order to notice suspicious growths and formations in time.

Examination of the dog is necessary to determine the form of otitis media.

But also otitis is divided into three types: external, middle and internal.

With otitis externa inflammation is localized in the external auditory canal, without affecting the inside of the ear and the eardrum.

At internal type otitis media affects the entire inside of the dog's ear, with fetid dark pus oozing from the ear and inflammation and swelling of the tympanic membrane and ear cartilage.

To determine the type and form of otitis media, a comprehensive examination of the animal is necessary, including an X-ray or MRI of the head and the delivery of all necessary tests, so you should not delay going to the veterinary clinic.

Methods for treating otitis media in dogs

All forms of otitis are treated with different drugs, and only a veterinarian can determine the type of inflammation of the ears in an animal and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Owner Do not buy the first remedy for otitis in a pharmacy especially for antibiotics. Improper treatment will not only not help the dog, but also harm its health.

But if it is not possible to immediately take the dog to the veterinary clinic, then you can try at least relieve symptoms of inflammation and itching which cause considerable discomfort to the pet.

The auricles are treated with gauze or cotton swabs moistened miramistim or chlorhexidine .
Sulfur plugs can be carefully removed cotton swab dipped in a special solution, which is sold in pet stores and veterinary pharmacies.
Dried crusts of sulfur and purulent discharge are cleaned with a damp cotton swab, then the affected area of \u200b\u200bthe ear is treated boric alcohol or peroxide.
It will not be superfluous to put a few drops in the pet's ears Otinum, Otipax or Sofradex. These drugs relieve pain and inflammation.
Promote the healing of wounds and ulcers with otitis media Levomekol ointment or camphor oil. They are gently rubbed into the damaged part of the ear and the animal is kept under supervision for several minutes until the ointment is completely absorbed into the skin.

Hydrogen peroxide is needed to treat the affected ear.

Regarding antibiotics, they can be prescribed for advanced or severe forms of otitis media.

Prescribed for purulent otitis and Amoxicillin. This antibiotic destroys microbes and viruses and effectively fights inflammation in the average and internal type of otitis media. But often this drug causes allergies in animals, so the treatment is carried out only under the supervision of a doctor.

Conclusion

If long-term treatment does not give a result, then you should consult a specialist.

It is impossible to cure otitis in a few days and it may take several weeks or even months.

But, if during long-term treatment the owner of a four-legged pet did not notice any improvement, then you should consult a specialist about this. It may be necessary to change the drug or methods of treatment.

Dangerous otitis media in dogs: do's and don'ts

Causes of otitis

Faced daily with inflammation in the ear canal, veterinarians identify the following causes of otitis media in dogs:

allergic reactions. With the development of allergies, chemicals are produced in the body, leading to the fragility of blood vessels and irritating nerve endings. Combing the itchy area with the paws leads to the multiplication of opportunistic microflora and the development of an inflammatory reaction. Often it is the ears of the animal, well supplied with blood vessels, that suffer from a reaction to any allergen.
Keeping an animal in unfavorable conditions. Cold, drafty rooms, walking in bad weather, strong winds, rainy weather are common causes of the disease in dogs.
Violation of the rules of hygiene and pet care. Irregular cleaning of the ears from sulfur, water ingress during water procedures are common causes of otitis media in dogs. Foreign objects. Seeds and thorns from plants, insects, small objects caught during a walk lead to a violation of the ventilation of the auricle, increased production of protective sulfur.
Neoplasms, papillomas, polyps. Formations on the skin have a similar mechanism with foreign objects. By closing the ear canal, polyps or tumors interfere with normal air circulation, they can also spontaneously become inflamed, bleed, which leads to the development of inflammation in the ear canal. Neoplasms can be primary, or formed as a result of otitis media and in this case be secondary.

Canine ear tumor

Hormonal abnormalities. Diseases of the organs of the endocrine system - adrenal glands, thyroid and pancreas, pituitary gland, are often accompanied by a violation of the hormonal status. Failure leads to dry skin, itching, peeling, which provokes an inflammatory reaction.
The cause of otitis media can be autoimmune diseases when the body starts attacking its own cells.
Injuries. Damage to the auricle is typical during fights between relatives. Mechanical damage (wounds, cracks, abrasions) lead to the introduction of pathogenic microflora and the development of inflammation.
The presence of sugar in the dog's diet. Long-term studies show that feeding a pet with sweet foods causes excessive formation of earwax, which is a favorable environment for the development of microorganisms.

Learn more about diagnosing and treating pneumonia in dogs here.

Factors contributing to the development of otitis in dogs, veterinarians include:

Thick hair in the ear. Excess hair reduces the natural ventilation of the ear canal, increases humidity, and intensive production of earwax. These factors lead to the activity of opportunistic microflora and provoke otitis media. The risk group includes dog breeds that are characterized by increased density of wool in the area of the ears: lapdogs, giant schnauzers, setters.

Features of the anatomical structure. Erect, lop-eared, ears with a lot of folds give their four-legged owner a lot of health troubles. The peculiar structure of the auricle - hanging ears, many skin folds in the region of the outer ear are an ideal environment for the development of inflammation. With this structure, poor ventilation and self-cleaning mechanisms are noted.

About the anatomy of the dog's ear and the causes of otitis externa, see this video:

Symptoms of the disease in dogs

The following clinical manifestations testify to the inflammatory process in the auricle in a tailed pet:

The dog often shakes its head, tilts it towards the diseased ear, constantly scratches its head in the ear area with its paws due to itching.

The purulent form of otitis is often accompanied by gurgling sounds when moving the head due to the accumulation of exudate.
When touched, the animal worries, whines and squeals.
At the entrance to the ear canal, the presence of crusts, scabs, and loose hair is noted.
Turning away the outer ear, you can observe redness, swelling of the tissues. The amount of sulfur produced exceeds its normal content. Often, purulent discharge of an unpleasant odor is found. The exudate may contain blood. Wool in the auricle stuck together.
The base of the ear is hot to the touch.
With a low level of immunity in a dog, general hyperthermia can be observed.
The animal loses its appetite. The thirst persists.
The state becomes apathetic, lethargic.
With a strong pain syndrome, the dog becomes aggressive, restless.

Types and their features

outdoor, middle, indoor

dog ear structure

The greatest danger to the health, and sometimes the life of the animal, is internal otitis media. The risk of infection of the meninges, the development of sepsis with the internal form of the disease increases significantly.

According to the nature of the content, purulent, catarrhal and exudative otitis media are distinguished. In veterinary practice, they often deal with a purulent form of the disease. In this case, the discharge is oily in nature, an unpleasant odor. Purulent exudate can penetrate into deep tissues, leading to the development of meningitis, sepsis and threatening the pet's life. Catarrhal otitis is rare. With the exudative form of the disease, there is an increased production of earwax.

Purulent otitis media

Infection of the hearing organs with pathogenic fungi - otomycosis, is characterized by an intense nature of tissue damage. The causative agents of the fungal form of the disease quickly penetrate from the outer ear into the middle and inner. The clinical picture is clear. The animal is very worried, experiencing acute pain.

Fungal otitis media

Bacterial

Activation of opportunistic microflora, penetration of bacteria into the ear canal leads to the development of a bacterial form of otitis media. The disease is often accompanied by hyperthermia. Visual examination reveals crusts, scabs, blood clots.

Allergic

A common form of otitis media in dogs is allergic. The disease is not amenable to antibiotic therapy. In addition, in addition to the auricles, scratching of other parts of the body is observed.

Allergic otitis media

verrucose

A special form of the disease is warty. Inflammation develops due to the growth in the auricle of numerous growths that eventually close the auditory canal.

Verrucous otitis media

Chronic and acute

According to the intensity of the manifestation of clinical signs, veterinarians distinguish between acute and chronic otitis media. The acute form is characterized by the rapid development of inflammation and is manifested, as a rule, by severe pain and the development of fever. The chronic course proceeds with blurred symptoms and is typical for dogs with a high level of immunity, as well as in the case of allergic otitis media.

Condition Diagnostics

Having discovered clinical signs characteristic of ear pathology, the owner should not hesitate to visit a veterinary specialist. In the arsenal of the therapist, in addition to visual detection of the problem, there are the following diagnostic methods:

Otoscopy. The study of the auditory canal by the instrumental method allows to identify the nature and localization of the inflammatory process, to assess the condition of the tympanic membrane. The method allows you to detect a foreign body, neoplasms, polyps, etc.
Laboratory diagnostics. A blood test, microscopic and cytological examination of skin scrapings can identify the pathogen: determine the type of tick, bacteria, identify a pathogenic fungus, and also determine sensitivity to antibiotics.
Radiography. The method allows you to identify neoplasms, polyps.
Magnetic resonance and computed tomography. Modern research methods are indispensable in assessing damage to the internal structures of the ear and the membranes of the brain by the inflammatory process.

pet treatment

Drops should be prescribed only by a veterinarian, since some drugs in their composition have antibiotics that have an ototoxic effect and are contraindicated in case of damage to the eardrum.

In the event that neoplasms, growths, polyps have become the cause of otitis media, they are removed surgically.

Get rid of inflammation at home

Special wipes are suitable for the cleaning procedure. Ear sticks are not used in animal hygiene.

Prevention

Based on many years of medical practice, veterinarians have developed a set of preventive measures that allow owners to avoid ear problems in their four-legged pets:

regularly clean the ear canal from earwax, pollution;
cut thick hair in the auricle;
prevent hypothermia of the pet;
during hygiene procedures, protect the ears from water ingress;
use only high quality feed;
exclude sugary foods from the dog's diet;
twice a year to conduct a professional examination of the auricles in a veterinary clinic.

Learn more about cholecystitis in dogs here.

Useful video

To learn how to properly clean your dog's ears, see this video:

How and how to treat otitis media in dogs

Otitis in dogs is a fairly common diagnosis, due to the peculiar structure of the auricle. Dog owners often face this problem. Inflammation of the ear brings unpleasant sensations to the animal: itching, pain. In some cases, the animal has a fever, the dog becomes lethargic, refuses to eat.

Otitis media should not be left unattended, you should immediately contact a veterinarian who will prescribe adequate treatment. Timely access to a doctor will reduce the risk of the disease becoming chronic, as well as preventing the formation of complications.

Causes of otitis media in dogs

The most common reasons include:

ear mite;
tumor;
overgrowth of the ear canal;
allergic otitis;
foreign body.

As a rule, the tick affects both ears. The dog starts scratching its ears intensively. Brown dry discharge of a grainy appearance appears. In advanced cases, pus may be observed.

Tumor can form on the auricle or in the ear canal itself. The resulting tumor can cause otitis media if it blocks the ear canal, thereby preventing the ear from being “ventilated”. In some cases, the tumors themselves begin to bleed and become inflamed. In this case, surgical intervention is necessary followed by conservative treatment.

Overgrowth of the ear canal in most cases seen in dogs with an excessive amount of folds - bulldog, chow-chow, etc. The ear canal, as in the previous case, closes completely, which interferes with the ventilation of the ear. As a result, inflammation is formed. treatment is impossible without surgical intervention - excision of the ear folds.

Allergic otitis media often occurs in case of allergies, hormonal imbalance. This can occur in the case of abundant excretion of earwax, intensive reproduction of microflora and fungi. The dog begins to intensively comb the ear, it becomes red. sores from scratching may appear. Brownish ointment-like discharge with an admixture of pus appears.

foreign body is also one of the most common causes of otitis media. In most cases, insects, blades of grass, plant seeds, etc. get into the animal's ear. A foreign body caught in the ear causes inflammation of the ear. As a rule, a foreign body causes unilateral otitis media. In this case, the dog does not allow you to touch the ear, clean it, tilts its head to one side. A discharge of a transparent color with an admixture of pus or blood may form. The foreign body must be removed.

Recognizing inflammation is not such a difficult task. The following symptoms of otitis in dogs can be distinguished:

the dog scratches his ear much more often than usual;
often shakes his head;
purulent discharge from the ear with an unpleasant odor;
the dog does not allow to touch the ear;
the dog looks tired, loses its appetite;
tilts his head to the side.

On direct examination, redness of the external auditory canal can be detected. In the event that the inflammation is in an advanced stage, the animal has an increase in the submandibular lymph nodes.

If you find at least one of the above symptoms in your pet, contact your veterinarian immediately, who will examine and prescribe adequate treatment.

In no case do not self-medicate. Your pet's health is entirely your responsibility.

Dog owners should make it a rule that self-medication can lead to undesirable consequences. Trust the health of your dog to professionals.

First of all, the veterinarian will take a sample to study the microflora. Then, using a special funnel, determine the amount of ear secretion and what kind it is. According to the data obtained, a diagnosis is established, which is classified into:

primary - in the absence of any diseases;
secondary - inflammation is one of the parts of the underlying skin disease;
idiopathic.

Regardless of the classification of the disease, the ear canal is washed. If there are any crusts in the ear cavity, they are carefully removed with a 2% solution of salicyl-tannin alcohol. The ear is then flushed with a syringe. If there are foreign bodies, they are removed with special forceps. Generally speaking, the doctor by all means ensures the visibility of the cavity of the ear canal.

Having found out what caused the inflammation, a certain treatment for otitis media in dogs is prescribed.

Allergic otitis, as a rule, develops against the background of an allergy to various types of foods, plants, etc. The animal develops itchy skin, bacteria growth is observed. Purulent discharge also appears. One of the important elements of treatment in this case is a hypoallergenic diet, which must be followed for 3 months. To relieve inflammation and eliminate itching, local preparations are prescribed.
Purulent otitis in a dog is manifested by an oily, unpleasant-smelling secret that stands out from the ear. If you start the process of treating purulent otitis media in a dog, ulcerative processes may begin, and further perforation of the eardrum. In the process of treatment, solutions of hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine are used. Antibiotics are also prescribed for otitis media in dogs. Otosporin type drugs are prescribed.
The fungal form of otitis media is more common than the others. Oddly enough, fungi are in the body of the animal all the time, but in certain circumstances they can cause inflammation. In this case, the ear canal is treated with phosphoric acid esters. At the initial stage of the disease, treatment with Gaselan 2% is prescribed.
How to treat otitis in a dog if the inflammation is caused by seasonality? During certain periods, there is a sharp increase in the production of earwax in the ear, which leads to the formation of crusts and plugs. Against this background, a bacterial infection may develop. in this case, otitis media drops for dogs with topical antibiotics are prescribed, as well as drugs like Otifree.

Be careful and very responsible in the treatment of your pet.

Otitis are divided according to the location of the lesion:

on external otitis;
for otitis media;
for otitis media.

Remember! The last two types are the most dangerous, since inflammation affects the vestibular and auditory apparatus, which can lead to hearing loss, impaired coordination, and paralysis of the facial nerve.

It is worth noting that usually otitis media and internal otitis media do not occur separately and are observed simultaneously.

The nature of the inflammation otitis are:

serous;
catarrhal;
purulent.

Note! Purulent otitis is always secondary, so it is necessary to eliminate not only the inflammation of the ear, but also the very cause of the disease.

The structure of the ear and vestibular apparatus

The auditory and vestibular apparatus are a single system that consists of the outer, middle and inner ear.

Outer ear.

Represented by the auricle and the auditory canal, which ends with the eardrum.

Middle ear.

It is a rounded chamber with a system of bones - the hammer, anvil and stirrup, these bones transmit sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. The chamber itself plays the role of a resonator, which amplifies the vibrations. From it comes the Uvstachian tube - a canal that connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx.

inner ear

Completely located in the bone, consists of the cochlea and semicircular tubules. The first part is a chamber where sound vibrations are processed into a nerve impulse. The auditory nerve approaches the cochlea. The second part - the semicircular canals - is the vestibular apparatus. All departments are filled with liquid.

The reasons for the complication of the disease and the development of a purulent process are scratching, skin damage, as well as the lack of timely treatment.

Disease pathogenesis

Gradually inflammation covers and ear canal, reaches the tympanic membrane. Hearing acuity is rapidly declining. When the middle ear is involved in the process, purulent exudate deforms the eardrum, as a result, hearing can be completely lost. Pus flows out of the ear canal, and also through the Eustachian tube enters the nasal cavity and pharynx.

With inflammation of the inner ear, coordination is disturbed, the facial nerve is paralyzed, sepsis develops. The next stage is the defeat of the bones, and later the meninges. As a result, if left untreated, death occurs due to an infectious brain lesion.

Symptoms of pathology

With inflammation of the external ear, the dog appears the following symptoms:

increased temperature of the auricle;
swelling and redness of the auricle;
hearing acuity decreases rapidly;
the dog often scratches the sore ear;
the animal leans its head towards the affected ear.

Inflammation of the middle and inner ear:

hearing is reduced or completely lost on the affected side;
the dog stretches its head, makes swallowing movements;
the animal is lethargic;
local temperature is increased, redness of the auricle is observed.

Purulent inflammation is accompanied by characteristic signs:

not only local, but also general body temperature rises;
appetite decreases;
purulent exudate with an unpleasant odor is visible.

For severe cases the disease is aggravated

the animal groans;
paralysis of the facial nerve develops, the lower jaw is displaced, the affected ear hangs down;
further, coordination of movements is disturbed, hearing from the affected side is absent;
causeless vomiting appears;
when inflammation passes to the meninges, convulsions, paralysis, and death are observed.

The diagnosis is made on the basis of anamnesis and examination, with an infectious etiology, a sample of blood and exudate is taken to accurately determine the pathogen. With external or purulent otitis media, the prognosis is cautious, with damage to the inner ear - unfavorable.

Treatment of purulent otitis media

Treatment at home is unacceptable, the disease is dangerous and without qualified help leads to the death of the animal. The main component of the treatment should be specific therapy, which is prescribed by a veterinarian, based on what type of pathogen led to purulent inflammation.

dog ear cleaning

Cotton swabs are used to clean the ears. Do not use cotton swabs, as they can damage the ear. You can not penetrate into the ear canal on your own, you can damage the eardrum. It is not recommended to instill hydrogen peroxide into the ear canal, the dog will perceive its hissing as a loud noise and may behave inappropriately.

There are special tools for cleaning the ear canal: Otifri, Epi-Otik, Otoclin. These drugs are poured into the dog's ears, after which they are massaged at the base so that the solution is evenly distributed over the inner surface of the ear. After the product has absorbed the dirt, it must be removed from the ear with a cotton swab.

To disinfect the inner surface of the auricle, you can use hydrogen peroxide or a solution of brilliant green. These drugs cannot be poured into the ear canal, unlike chlorhexidine 0.05%, which acts more gently. Can be used to speed up wound healing Levomekol, Safroderm or Sanatol to be applied to the surface of wounds and erosions after their thorough cleaning.

Relieve itching and inflammation

Specific Therapy

Treatment of purulent otitis in dogs is prescribed by a veterinarian and depends on the type of pathogen:

For fungal infections, antifungal drugs are used in the form of drops or ointments. For example, Nitrofungin, Clotrimazole in the form of a solution Terbinafine. To achieve the result, 5-6 drops are instilled into each ear for 2-3 weeks. The tool must be used on both ears, regardless of the presence or absence of visible lesions, it is desirable to treat the skin around the ears.

With purulent otitis media of a microbial nature, antibacterial drugs are prescribed: Tsipromed, Sofradex, Otibiovet, Otibiovin, Fugentin, Anandin. Antimicrobial agents are instilled into the ears, usually the course of treatment lasts no more than a week, if there is no result, the drug is changed. In severe cases, systemic antibiotics are prescribed: Amoxicillin, Ceftriaxone and others. These solutions are administered intramuscularly.

Otitis in a dog photo

There are several classifications of the disease. According to the localization of the infectious process, otitis is divided into:

External - inflammation affects the external auditory canal, located between the inlet and the surface of the tympanic membrane.
Medium - the inflammatory process penetrates deep into, behind the eardrum. Often accompanied by suppuration - this form of the disease is called purulent otitis media. With a neglected or complicated form of otitis media, inflammation of the outer and middle ear is often found.
Internal - a severe form of the disease, the lesion is localized in the inner ear and very often causes various kinds of complications.

Depending on the cause of the development of the disease, the following types are distinguished:

Primary otitis - occurs as an independent disease and proceeds without concomitant diseases.
Secondary otitis - inflammation is a complication of a dermatological disease. Most often, this type of otitis media appears against the background of atopic, dermatosis, autoimmune diseases, damage to the adrenal glands or thyroid gland.

There is a classification based on the causative agent of the disease:

Chronic otitis media is a complex inflammation that requires specialist advice. It is provoked by streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and also Escherichia coli.
Fungal otitis media (otomycosis) - fungal bacteria mix with earwax, begin to multiply rapidly, causing inflammation.
Bacterial otitis - pathogenic bacteria often cause the development of otitis media, and both one or both ears can be affected.
Allergic otitis - develops due to allergies or hormonal imbalance.

Risk group

Why does otitis media develop in dogs?

If we are talking about an infectious agent, then most often they are streptococcus or staphylococcus, developing in a weakened animal body.

Signs of otitis media in dogs

The clinical picture of the disease is as follows:

the pet is restless, as he feels ear pain and itching;
purulent exudate flows from the ear, which has a nauseating odor, the discharge may contain an admixture of blood;
the pet often tilts its head and shakes its ears;
the ear canal turns red;
the ear becomes hot to the touch, the temperature in the affected area rises;
tissue swelling in the ear;
enlarged lymph nodes can be felt from the side of the inflamed organ;
at the pet;
the dog is lethargic, does not find a place for itself, can circle in the direction of the inflamed ear.

During severe forms of otitis in dogs, the following symptoms and complications are possible:

hearing loss;
development of strabismus;
the dog has difficulty eating - it is hard to chew due to pain;
discharge of exudate from the eyes.

Diagnosis of disease in dogs

Making the right early diagnosis is half the road to recovery. Veterinarians warn owners not to ignore the condition of the pet and not treat the disease on their own.

Therapy for otitis media in dogs

Given the variety of forms and types of the disease, it is difficult not to guess that there is no single treatment for otitis media in dogs. Each variety requires an individual approach:

Purulent otitis media - antibiotic therapy is mandatory, the affected auricles are treated with chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide.
Chronic otitis - involves the use of antibiotics, dexamethasone compresses are recommended. Candibiotic drops are also prescribed - a remedy that fights fungi and pathogenic bacteria.
Fungal otitis - Gaselan 2% is used, the ear is regularly treated using a phosphoric acid solution.
Bacterial otitis media - complex preparations with antifungal and antibacterial action are used for treatment, for example, the drug in the form of Surolan spray drops.
Allergic form of otitis media - includes a three-month strict, antipruritic drops are prescribed to eliminate itching. If the allergy is of a permanent seasonal nature, you can use antihistamines prescribed by a veterinarian.

The most common antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs include the following:

Otibiovin;
Otipax;
Otofenarol;
Normax.

For local treatment, camphor oil, aversectin ointment, Dekta are used, with tick-borne lesions - Amit ointment.

To increase and maintain the immune system, a course of Askorutin, Vitam, Gamavit and other vitamin preparations is prescribed.

Ear drops Otipax, Framycetin have an excellent anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

Treatment of otitis media in dogs at home

hydrogen peroxide;
vaseline oil;
saline.

An example of otitis on video:

Preventive measures

The owner must take care of the health of his pet, and therefore prevent the development of various kinds of diseases. Prevention of otitis media consists in the following actions:

do not allow hypothermia of the dog;
after bathing, you need to remove excess water with a cotton swab;
it is worth carrying out regular hygiene procedures - daily examination of the auricles and cleaning a couple of times a week;
it is required to provide, if necessary, supplementing it with vitamin supplements;
limit contact of the dog with other unfamiliar animals;
If possible, avoid injury to your pet and stressful situations.