Dog Ear Infections
Otitis Externa is a Common Pet Ailment
Otitis externa, or ear infection, refers to an inflammation of the ear canal, and can be caused by by a foreign body in the ear canal, parasites, yeast or a bacterial infection. It’s also one of the top claims submitted by Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) policyholders year after year.
In 2007, VPI policyholders submitted more than 58,000 claims for canine otitis externa, exceeding $5 million in medical claims amounts, making it the highest claim submitted for dog owners. Although it is not as prevalent in cats as it is in dogs, ear infections fell within the top 10 claims submitted by policyholders for felines within the same year.
Signs of an Ear Infection
Symptoms of otitis externa include:
- Shaking of the pet’s head
- Pawing at the ears
- Reddened or thick and scaly skin around the ear
- Abnormal discharge or odor from the ear
- Aversion to being petted or touched on or around the head
Pet owners who suspect their four-legged friend has an ear infection should schedule an appointment for a thorough physical examination with their veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian will determine the cuase of your pet's otitis externa and prescribe the proper course of treatment for your pet.
Treatment for otitis externa depends on the severity and cause of the problem; most pet ear infections can be cleared up with a professional cleaning by a veterinarian and ear medication.
Diagnosing an Ear Infection
Veterinary examinations usually involve viewing the ear canal with an otoscope, a medical device used to look into the ears that provides both light and magnification, to make sure the ear drum is intact, and to see if any foreign objects are present. Usually a swab sample of the material within the ear is also taken and examined under a microscope to determine the cause of the infection.
Treating an Ear Infection
Treatment for otitis externa depends on the severity and cause of the problem; most pet ear infections can be cleared up with a professional cleaning by a veterinarian and ear medication. Medication for ear infections comes in many forms: drops, ointment, antibiotics for bacterial infections, or even steroids. Regardless of what your veterinarian prescribes, it is important to discuss treatment details and to ask questions.
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