What is otitis externa in dogs?

It is inflammation of the external auditory canal. Clinically, it is characterized by itching of the ears, restless shaking of the head, scratching of the ears with the hind limbs from time to time, and an obvious odor in the ear canal.

Causes of otitis externa in dogs

A variety of factors can cause otitis externa. Because there is often dirt in the ear canal, it is a good place for bacteria to grow and multiply. Especially dogs with large and droopy ears are more likely to develop. There are many bacteria that infect the outer ear, such as Proteus, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Clostridium, Escherichia coli, etc. Fungal otitis externa, such as Aspergillus, Penicillium and Rhizopus molds, pityriasis tinea and Candida can cause otitis externa. Parasitic otitis externa is mainly caused by canine ear mites.

Symptoms of otitis externa in dogs

Dogs suffering from otitis externa shake their heads uneasily, have a strange itching sensation, and scratch their ears with their hind limbs. Sometimes they can see injuries caused by scratches. and bleeding. Ear examination revealed that there was yellow-brown secretion in the external auditory canal with a foul odor, the epithelium of the ear canal was degenerated and thickened, and the outer coat of the ear canal was often dyed yellow by the discharged viscous secretions. If not treated in time, it can develop into deep otitis media and suppurative otitis media.

Treatment methods for dog otitis externa

Reduce inflammation, relieve itching, remove the cause, and remove dirt and moisture from the ear canal. (1) Dogs that refuse treatment should be anesthetized. Bacterial otitis media can be treated with gentamicin solution dipped in cotton solution to completely remove ear canal dirt. If otitis media is caused by mites, you can soak the trichlorfon solution (100 ml of water in 2 grams of trichlorfon) in cotton wool to clean the ear canal. (2) Use ear drops for ear drops, 2-3 times/day. Ear drops of a mixture of neomycin, dexamethasone, and lidocaine can also be used, 2-6 drops/time, 3-4 times/day.
(3) Systemic antibiotic therapy can be used in dogs with severe infections.