Page 28 - Creature Companion, September 2020

PET CARE

ARE YOU

ALL EARS?

By Dr. Karishma Gupte ( M.V.Sc.)*

onestly speaking, ear issues have always been a • Brown, yellow, or bloody discharge
nightmare to treat. The anatomy of pet ears is the
Hmain reason for this. The conical shape, narrow Dogs with long ears like ‘Basset Hounds’ are predisposed
tunnel, secretions of wax, and less scope for air circulation to frequent ear infections. This is because their ears stay
make it a perfect place for bacteria and fungus to grow covered most of the time, so it’s an ideal breeding ground
and multiply. These same conditions make it diffi cult for for bacteria - dark, warm, and moist.
us to treat these nasty infections.
However, any dogs with allergies or who swim a lot are
Based on the region of infection inside the ears, we also prone to ear infections. Chronic ear infections are
categorize it as follows: a sign of deeper problem and definitely something to

explore with your veterinarian.
Otitis externa means that the inflammation affects the

layer of cells lining the outer or external portion of the Allergies to ingredients in pet’s food, or environmental
ear canal. Otitis media and interna refer to infections triggers, like pollen, molds, and dust mites, anatomical
of the middle and inner ear canal, and most often, they abnormalities, masses, foreign material within the ear,
are a result of the spread of infection from the external chronically damp ears, and hormonal disorders may lead
ear. These more advanced cases can be very serious, to chronic discomfort in pet's ears.
and could lead to deafness, facial paralysis, or signs of
vestibular disease, such as head tilting, circling, and lack In most cases, cleaning and medicating the ear canal will
of coordination. That's why it is important to prevent and clear up an infection. However, surgery may be needed
seek early treatment for ear problems. for chronic infections or if forceful head shaking results
in haematoma that is, the rupture of a vessel within the
Symptoms that your dog may have with an ear infection outer part of the ear.
include:
The length of treatment depends on the patient, severity
• Head shaking or head tilting of infection, and any changes to the ear (i.e., thickening
• Ear odour of tissue in the ear). In some cases, oral medications are
• Vigorous scratching necessary (antibiotics, anti-yeast, anti-infl ammatory).
• Lack of balance Your veterinarian will schedule rechecks to make sure
• Unusual back-and-forth eye movements the medications are working and the infection is cleared.
• Redness of the ear canal
• Swelling of the outer portion of the ear * The author is Director, Vetbiotics Animal Healthcare Pvt Ltd.

28 Creature Companion | SEPTEMBER 2020 • VOL. XIII • ISSUE 7 • NOIDA