What is otitis externa

Otitis externa is inflammation of the external auditory canal. Dogs are characterized by unbearable itching in their ears, shaking their heads uneasily, scratching their ears from time to time with their hind limbs, and an obvious odor scattered from their ear canals.

Causes of otitis externa

Various factors can cause otitis externa. Dogs' ear canals often contain dirt, which is a good place for bacteria to grow and multiply. Especially dogs with big droopy ears. There are many bacteria that can infect the outer ear, such as E. coli. 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 ear mites in dogs.

Symptoms of otitis externa

The symptoms of dogs suffering from otitis externa include shaking their heads uneasily, having a strange itching sensation, scratching the ears with their hind limbs, and sometimes causing abrasions and bleeding due to their own injuries. 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.

How to treat otitis externa

Anti-inflammation, relieve itching, remove the cause, and remove dirt and moisture from the ear canal.