Otitis is an inflammation of the ear, which gives a lot of discomfort not only to people, but also to our smaller brothers. It is worth noting that animals are much more likely to suffer from such an ailment. Special glands, which are located in the external auditory canal, should normally secrete a small amount of the secret necessary to protect the ear canal from foreign substances, water, dirt and dust. In each breed of dogs, the type and nature of the allocation of such a secret is individual.
If, after cleaning your pet’s ears, you notice that the dog’s ears are dirty again the next day, she constantly scratches them and shakes her head, and the secretion emitted smells unpleasant, then you should immediately visit a veterinarian.
External and otitis media in dogs
Depending on the localization of the pathological process, experts distinguish two types of disease:
- Otitis media is characterized by inflammation of the middle ear, which is located behind the eardrum and consists of 3 bones, conducting sounds to the inner ear.
- Otitis externa is accompanied by inflammation of the external passage located between the eardrum and the opening of this passage.
The severe stage of the disease can combine inflammation of both the outer ear and the middle.
Primary and secondary otitis media
Like other pathologies, otitis media has various causes. If the disease develops on its own and is self-sufficient, then this is primary otitis media, and if it is a complication of some kind of dermatological disease, then we are dealing with secondary otitis media. Let us dwell on this in more detail.
The secondary form occurs for the following reasons:
- dermatosis;
- atopy;
- thallium poisoning;
- ectoparasites;
- bad heredity;
- adrenal disease;
- autoimmune pathologies;
- thyroid problems.
It is worth noting that some dog breeds have a predisposition to the development of otitis media. As a rule, this depends on the structural features of the auricle. The risk group may primarily include animals with drooping large ears that do not allow air to flow freely, as a result of which favorable conditions are created for the propagation of pathogenic microorganisms. This situation is often observed in poodles and spaniels. But, for example, East European shepherds suffer from the opposite problem: their overly open ears contribute to the entry of various bacteria into the ear canal.
With chronic external otitis media, an excess of secretions, inflammation and swelling of the tympanic membrane can be observed in the affected ear. Verrucous form of the disease is characterized by redness of the skin, the formation of warts, the appearance of pus and atypical sulfur secretions.
Causes of otitis media
A similar disease occurs due to many factors. The disease can trigger head injuries, hypothermia, poor nutrition, helminthiasis, the presence of allergies and a decrease in immunity.
The causative agents of otitis media are streptococci and staphylococci, which are considered the most famous bacteria. They live in the dog’s body all the time. However, they are activated and do harm only under favorable conditions. Any failures in the protective system lead to the rapid multiplication of pathogenic microflora.
Manifestations of the disease
Symptoms of otitis media in dogs:
- redness of the ear canal;
- constant shaking of the ears;
- itching
- soreness;
- unpleasantly smelling purulent discharge with impurities of blood;
- fever in the affected area;
- swelling;
- swollen lymph nodes on the affected side;
- depression, lethargy;
- decreased appetite.
Consequences of the disease
Otitis in dogs, the treatment of which must be started immediately, can lead to serious complications:
- chronic form of the disease;
- temporary or permanent hearing loss;
- discharge of pus through the eyes;
- problems with feeding due to constant pain;
- strabismus.
In order to protect your pet from such problems, you should promptly seek the help of a qualified veterinarian who will prescribe competent treatment.
Diagnosis of the disease
There can be many etiological factors that provoke ear inflammation. Treatment of otitis media in dogs depends on the nature and nature of the disease. In order to quickly eliminate unpleasant symptoms, you need to carefully examine the animal and make a clear diagnosis, otherwise all subsequent measures will not give a positive result and may even worsen the condition of the four-legged patient.
Stages of diagnosis:
- Visual inspection of the external passage is carried out by means of an otoscope - a device with backlight and lenses. The veterinarian examines the cavity of the middle and outer ear, assesses the condition of the skin and eardrum, determines the degree of puffiness, examines the canal for the presence of ticks, processes of the foxtail, as well as foreign bodies. For example, internal and secondary otitis media in dogs is accompanied by discharge from the outer ear, pain on palpation, redness and swelling. In addition, the eardrum begins to protrude in the area of the canal. Sometimes on the part of the lesion, lymphadenopathy is detected, which is accompanied by pharyngitis, tartar or gingivitis.
- A blood test is performed to establish the state of the animal’s body and its allergic status. If hypothyroidism is suspected, a blood test is prescribed to determine the concentration of triiodothyronine and thyroxine in it. A positive result requires stimulation of thyroid-stimulating hormones.
- A cytological examination of the exudate allows you to determine the microflora, detect a tumor and compaction of the sulfur gland, diagnose sensitivity to antibiotics and autoimmune diseases.
- Using microscopy, the composition and structure of skin samples and exudate secreted by the ear gland are studied. The presence of parasites, pathogenic organisms and autoimmune diseases is determined.
- Radiography is performed if laboratory tests have not provided sufficient information. X-rays can detect polyps or tumors of the nasopharynx, which often provoke the development of chronic otitis media.
- Magnetic resonance and computed tomography are the most informative research methods. They allow you to assess the condition of the middle ear, detect inflammation of the brain tissue and determine the degree of involvement of neighboring structures in the pathological process.
The veterinarian can prescribe effective treatment for otitis media in dogs only after a comprehensive examination. Any form of the disease can not go away on its own, so the launch of the pathological process and self-medication can lead to serious complications. It is worth noting that with the secondary form of otitis media, it is very difficult to identify the main cause of the development of the disease.
Treatment
Treatment of otitis media in dogs is carried out comprehensively. First of all, the symptoms are eliminated, and then the primary causes of the disease. It is very important to correctly combine anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics, such as Otoferanol, Normax, Otibiovin, Otipaks, with topical preparations, such as camphor oil, Amidel-gel, Amit and aversectin ointment in the presence of ticks, Acaromectin, Decta. Treatment of otitis media in dogs with antibiotics should be supported by immunomodulators such as Ascorutin, Gamavit, etc. To relieve pain, the veterinarian may recommend Framycetin ear drops.
We treat at home
Treatment of otitis media in dogs with folk remedies should be carried out carefully so as not to harm even more. First of all, you need to remove the extra secret. To do this, use a special lotion, liquid paraffin, saline or hydrogen peroxide. If the disease is started, and crusts have already formed from prolonged combing of the affected area, you can remove them with a cotton swab moistened with hydrogen peroxide. The remaining wounds should be greased with green to prevent infection.
Purulent otitis media in dogs requires immediate removal of the pathological discharge. This can be done with boric alcohol. Such a disease is treated quickly if you turn to a specialist in time and begin to act.
Disease prevention
First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the factors that contribute to the development of otitis media. To do this, regularly carry out hygiene procedures and treat the ears of the pet. Carefully monitor the dog’s nutrition, which must contain the necessary fats, proteins, complex carbohydrates and vitamins. In addition, avoid stressful situations, which also can significantly reduce immunity.