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5 dog ear infection treatments.Otitis Externa (ear infections) In Dogs |
- The Challenge of Chronic Otitis in Dogs: From Diagnosis to Treatment | Today's Veterinary Practice
She also obtained a Master of Science degree in veterinary dermatology at the University of Minnesota, where she completed a residency in veterinary dermatology. She is the author of Canine and Feline Dermatology Drug Handbook as well as many scientific articles and book chapters. She serves as scientific advisor and editor for several journals and has presented at many national and international conferences. Her professional interests include allergies, otic diseases, autoimmune disorders, multidrug-resistant infections, and equine dermatology.
Canine chronic and recurrent otitis externa can be extremely challenging to treat and require multifactorial, step-by-step strategic plans.
Understanding otitis and its associated causes and contributing factors is an important initial step toward successful diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the multifactorial nature of otitis and paying attention to the different causes and contributing factors, not just the infection, is critical because the infection is usually only part of the problem Figure 1.
The most recently proposed classification for otitis includes primary and secondary causes and predisposing and perpetuating factors Table 1.
Pathologic cycle for chronic otitis externa. Primary disorders initiate the inflammatory process within the ear canal and alter the aural environment, allowing secondary complicating factors, such as infections, to develop. The primary cause may be very subtle and often is unrecognized by the owner or even the veterinarian until a secondary complicating factor arises. Most cases have a primary cause. No primary factor could be identified in 32 of cases.
Allergic and hormonal diseases can be associated with unilateral or bilateral otitis, but bilateral otitis is more common. Foreign bodies, neoplasia, and polyps are usually associated with unilateral otitis; however, bilateral problems have been reported. Otitis externa secondary to allergies.
Secondary causes occur in combination with primary causes or predisposing factors. The most common secondary causes are infections. When they are chronic and difficult to treat, it is usually because primary causes or perpetuating factors have not been adequately addressed.
Predisposing factors alone do not cause otitis externa, but they facilitate inflammation by permitting the external ear canal microenvironment to be altered, thereby allowing pathogenic or opportunistic bacteria or yeast to become established.
It is important to eliminate as many of these factors as possible while realizing that some, such as ear conformation, cannot be changed. Perpetuating factors sustain and aggravate the inflammatory process and prevent resolution of, or worsen existing, otitis externa. In many cases, perpetuating factors prevent the resolution of otitis externa when treatments are directed only at primary and secondary causes. These factors may be subtle at first but can develop into the most severe component of chronic ear disease.
They are not disease specific and are most commonly seen in chronic cases. Perpetuating factors are the most common reasons for surgical intervention. A detailed and complete history is essential to help investigate the underlying cause and associated factors. The ear examination allows the clinician to evaluate the amount and type of exudate in the ear canals; estimate the amount of otic inflammation; identify hyperplasia along with palpation of the horizontal and vertical ear canals , masses, and foreign bodies; and determine the status of the tympanic membrane eg, changes in structure or rupture.
These findings help in determining whether medical management or surgery total ear canal ablation with or without bulla osteotomy is the best treatment. Regular ie, handheld otoscopes should have a strong light and power source. If available, fiberoptic video-enhanced otoscopy eg, video-otoscope [ Figure 3 ] is extremely helpful in improving diagnosis and therapy because it not only allows visualization of fine details that may not be seen with regular otoscopes but also facilitates proper flushing of the ears, determination of disease extent, and discovery of indications for additional diagnostics and treatment eg, myringotomy, otitis media.
However, because of the expense to purchase and maintain this equipment, referral to a dermatologist may be necessary. Performing a complete physical examination, including a detailed dermatologic examination, can help in identifying an underlying or primary cause. Otic cytology establishes whether an infection is present in the ears and assists with the selection of topical therapy. Cytologic samples should be collected gently from the horizontal canal.
Exudate samples can be smeared onto a slide with mineral oil to look for mites. The most common type of coccoid bacteria found in the ears of dogs with otitis externa is Staphylococcus pseudintermedius , and the most common type of rod bacteria is Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
This might explain why, in some cases, sensitivity results in vitro and response to topical therapy in vivo do not always correlate. Clinicians should sample the middle ear separately if otitis media is confirmed when the tympanic membrane is intact. The types and sensitivity pattern of bacteria isolated from the middle ear may differ from those of bacteria isolated from the external canal.
Dogs with chronic, recurrent, and severe otitis and those with neurologic signs eg, vestibular signs or facial nerve paralysis , para-aural swelling, or pain on opening the mouth usually require diagnostic imaging to help identify contributing problems, such as middle ear disease eg, otitis media, neoplasia and otitis interna, that cannot be identified with regular otoscopy Table 2.
Patients with an apparently normal tympanic membrane may also have otitis media. This procedure is very helpful not only as a diagnostic tool but also as part of the treatment plan. This procedure should be performed under general anesthesia so that the ear can be completely cleaned and the ear canal and tympanic membrane examined. Anesthesia also allows the placement of an endotracheal tube, which precludes the aspiration of fluids that may pass through the middle ear into the auditory tube and then into the posterior pharynx.
Ideally, computed tomography of the tympanic bulla should be performed before the flush to stage ear disease and help make the decision to perform myringotomy if otitis media is present. Several techniques to clean and flush the ears exist. If myringotomy is performed, the tympanic membrane usually heals within 30 days after the procedure.
Deep ear flush and myringotomy are best performed by experienced practitioners with a video-otoscope; therefore, referral to a dermatologist might be ideal. In most cases of otitis externa, topical therapy alone is sufficient and is preferred when possible. In contrast, chronic, severe cases of otitis externa and otitis media often require additional systemic therapy. The amount of medication applied is important. Generally, the recommendation is to use about 0.
Ear cleaners should be used at home as part of most treatment protocols initially once daily to twice weekly depending on the severity of the otitis and amount of discharge present and as maintenance therapy usually once to twice weekly to help prevent future infections once the otitis and infection are resolved. However, overcleaning should be avoided because it can contribute to maceration and ear disease.
Clients should be educated on the proper technique to clean the ears and to avoid using cotton balls and cotton swabs inside the ears. Available ear cleaners include drying agents, antiseptics, ceruminolytics, and combination products.
Many different acaricidal products may be used to treat infections caused by Otodectes cynotis ear mites and, less commonly, Demodex species. It is important to always use higher volumes or concentrations of topical antibiotics because they may prove efficacious, even when resistance has been suggested on a susceptibility panel.
With topical drugs, concentrations to times superior to the minimum inhibitory concentration may be reached. For Pseudomonas Figure 7 and multidrug-resistant infections, I recommend treating the patient until 1 week past negative cytologic and culture results. Chronic Pseudomonas otitis.
Antibacterial agents: These products are indicated when infection is present and cleansing solutions are insufficient. Most topical antibacterial products also contain glucocorticoids and antifungals. Numerous topical preparations of variable potencies are available for use in the external ear canal.
Most cases of chronic otitis externa benefit from topical glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids have antipruritic, anti-inflammatory effects and decrease exudation and swelling, thereby helping to reduce pain and discomfort. In addition, they cause sebaceous atrophy and decrease glandular secretions. Glucocorticoids may reduce scar tissue and proliferative changes, which helps to promote drainage and ventilation.
Most ear products contain various combinations of glucocorticoids, antibiotics, antifungals, and parasiticides. Two new veterinarian-administered products containing florfenicol, terbinafine, and mometasone furoate Claro, bayerdvm. The duration of effect is 30 days for Claro and 7 days for Osurnia. Ears should not be cleaned at home after application.
The recommendation is for use in the clinic after ear cleaning, and only with intact tympanic membranes. These are great options for patients that do not allow topical therapy at home and to improve compliance, with potential benefit for acute or mild otitis cases. Their use in chronic severe otitis cases is limited because severe hyperplasia and stenosis preclude ear cleaning and evaluation of the tympanic membrane. These drugs may be used in animals with otitis media, moderate or marked proliferative changes with suspected otitis media, or no response to appropriate topical therapy and cleansing.
Usually, higher doses are recommended to achieve good penetration in the middle ear. Treatment duration may vary; however, I usually treat for 1 month after resolution of clinical signs and healing of the tympanic membrane from spontaneous perforation or myringotomy.
Fluoroquinolones may be prescribed when Pseudomonas species, other relevant gram-negative organisms, or very resistant gram-positive bacteria are isolated and susceptibility is confirmed after culture. Higher doses than usually recommended may be needed. Ciprofloxacin should be avoided in dogs because oral absorption is inconsistent and low In rare cases, injectable antimicrobials, such as aminoglycosides, carbapenems, and ceftazidime sodium, may be required to treat multidrug-resistant otitis cases.
Potential side effects with these therapies need to be considered. Referral of these cases to a dermatologist should be considered, particularly when treatment options are limited. Antifungal agents can sometimes be used in severe cases of Malassezia otitis or cases with poor response to topical agents alone.
Oral antifungals commonly used include ketoconazole Nizoral, nizoral. Terbinafine Lamisil, lamisilat. Glucocorticoids are usually indicated in cases of markedly inflamed and painful otitis with chronic pathologic changes, such as marked hyperplasia and stenosis of the canal. Oral anti-inflammatory dosages of prednisone or prednisolone 0. I typically recommend oral glucocorticoids for cases of Pseudomonas otitis and for dogs that have undergone deep ear flushing.
Oral glucocorticoids can also be helpful to reduce pain and discomfort, particularly a few days before the owners clean and medicate the ears. When longer-term treatment is expected, alternate-day glucocorticoid therapy may be indicated, with careful monitoring for adverse effects. Oral cyclosporine Atopica, us. All dogs were evaluated clinically every 4 weeks to monitor progress; they all showed significant clinical improvement based on owner and clinical assessments.
Individual owners also commented on improved disposition, hearing, and quality of life. I have seen limited benefits with oral cyclosporine in end-stage disease Figure 8 , but the drug may be considered in cases when surgery cannot be performed.
It is very important to talk to clients about the lengthy process of managing otitis, including the need for proper home therapy and frequent follow-up visits, pain management, quality of life, long-term prognosis, and medical costs. Clients must also be taught how to clean the ears and place ear medications.
❿Prednisone for dog ear infection.Chronic Ear Infection in Dogs and Cats
Deep infections can lead to deafness and neurologic signs. Certain disorders or diseases may be the primary reason ear infections develop. These conditions include: Allergies environmental and food Ear mites Foreign bodies Skin disorders like seborrhea Thyroid disease in dogs Tumors or polyps in the ear Ear infections may recur because of the inability to control the original infection or treat the underlying cause.
Chronic changes lead to future infections, and scar tissue and permanent narrowing of the ear canals can make future infections difficult to treat. What Are the Signs of an Ear Infection? An external ear infection first shows signs of local inflammation redness, discharge.
Pets may shake their heads, scratch their ears, or rub their ears against furniture or the floor. Some pets with severe infections may cry or groan as they rub and scratch their ears. Some pets scratch so severely that their nails create wounds on the skin around their face, neck, and ears.
External ear infections may progress to involve the middle and inner ear, leading to more serious signs of disease: External ear infection otitis externa Itchy or painful ears Head shaking Discharge and odor from the ears Narrowing or even closing of the canals Middle ear infection otitis media Paralysis of the nerves in the face Dry eye Hearing loss Abnormal pupil size Inner ear infection otitis interna Inability to keep balance, stand, or walk Nausea Head tilt How Is an Ear Infection Diagnosed and Treated?
During a physical examination, your veterinarian will look in the ear for the presence of inflammation, redness, discharge, growths, or other findings that may indicate an ear infection. Sometimes, a cotton swab is used to collect debris from the ear. This material can be placed on a slide and examined under a microscope to determine if the infection is due to yeast, bacteria, or mites.
Your veterinarian may also collect a sample of ear debris for culture and sensitivity testing, which identifies the exact organisms present and helps your veterinarian select the best antibiotic to use.
In severe cases, or if the animal is in too much pain to permit an examination of the ears, sedation may be needed to evaluate the ears, collect samples of discharge, clean the ears, and initiate treatment. With the pet sedated, the ears can be gently flushed to remove debris and facilitate better examination of the ear. Radiographs X-rays and other diagnostic tests can be performed while the pet is sedated to determine if the middle or inner ear are also involved.
For example, have you ever noticed your dog shaking its head or repeatedly scratching its ears? This behavior could signal an ear infection, also known as otitis.
Dogs are even more prone to ear infections than their owners due to the shape of their ear canals. In fact, dog ear infections are one of the most common reasons for a visit to a veterinarian. These include:. There are many contributing factors to dog ear infections such as:. Whittenburg, who says she sees five to six dogs with ear infections each week. If your dog is showing signs of painful ear irritation, the problem is not likely to go away on its own.
Additionally symptoms of an ear infection mirror other ear issues, such as polyps or tumors, allergies, hematoma, or even neurological disease. A veterinarian will determine what type of ear infection your canine companion has, and that will determine the appropriate treatment.
There are three kinds of dog ear infections; otitis externa outer ear , otitis media middle ear , and otitis interna inner ear infection. The most common type of ear infection for a dog is otitis externa or outer ear infection.
Humans and animals metabolize medications differently, and certain human meds can be toxic for animals. Medications for dog ear infections should only be administered as prescribed by your vet. If a prescription is available at your local pharmacy, you may be able to use your SingleCare card to save. Some medications your veterinarian may prescribe to treat dog ear infection may include:.
Ear drops are often used to treat animals with chronic ear infections. These medications are applied directly into the ear. Numerous topical preparations of variable potencies are available for use in the external ear canal. Most cases of chronic otitis externa benefit from topical glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids have antipruritic, anti-inflammatory effects and decrease exudation and swelling, thereby helping to reduce pain and discomfort. In addition, they cause sebaceous atrophy and decrease glandular secretions.
Glucocorticoids may reduce scar tissue and proliferative changes, which helps to promote drainage and ventilation. Most ear products contain various combinations of glucocorticoids, antibiotics, antifungals, and parasiticides. Two new veterinarian-administered products containing florfenicol, terbinafine, and mometasone furoate Claro, bayerdvm. The duration of effect is 30 days for Claro and 7 days for Osurnia. Ears should not be cleaned at home after application. The recommendation is for use in the clinic after ear cleaning, and only with intact tympanic membranes.
These are great options for patients that do not allow topical therapy at home and to improve compliance, with potential benefit for acute or mild otitis cases. Their use in chronic severe otitis cases is limited because severe hyperplasia and stenosis preclude ear cleaning and evaluation of the tympanic membrane. These drugs may be used in animals with otitis media, moderate or marked proliferative changes with suspected otitis media, or no response to appropriate topical therapy and cleansing.
Usually, higher doses are recommended to achieve good penetration in the middle ear. Treatment duration may vary; however, I usually treat for 1 month after resolution of clinical signs and healing of the tympanic membrane from spontaneous perforation or myringotomy. Fluoroquinolones may be prescribed when Pseudomonas species, other relevant gram-negative organisms, or very resistant gram-positive bacteria are isolated and susceptibility is confirmed after culture.
Higher doses than usually recommended may be needed. Ciprofloxacin should be avoided in dogs because oral absorption is inconsistent and low In rare cases, injectable antimicrobials, such as aminoglycosides, carbapenems, and ceftazidime sodium, may be required to treat multidrug-resistant otitis cases.
Potential side effects with these therapies need to be considered. Referral of these cases to a dermatologist should be considered, particularly when treatment options are limited. Antifungal agents can sometimes be used in severe cases of Malassezia otitis or cases with poor response to topical agents alone. Oral antifungals commonly used include ketoconazole Nizoral, nizoral. Terbinafine Lamisil, lamisilat. Glucocorticoids are usually indicated in cases of markedly inflamed and painful otitis with chronic pathologic changes, such as marked hyperplasia and stenosis of the canal.
Oral anti-inflammatory dosages of prednisone or prednisolone 0. I typically recommend oral glucocorticoids for cases of Pseudomonas otitis and for dogs that have undergone deep ear flushing. Oral glucocorticoids can also be helpful to reduce pain and discomfort, particularly a few days before the owners clean and medicate the ears. When longer-term treatment is expected, alternate-day glucocorticoid therapy may be indicated, with careful monitoring for adverse effects.
Oral cyclosporine Atopica, us. All dogs were evaluated clinically every 4 weeks to monitor progress; they all showed significant clinical improvement based on owner and clinical assessments.
Individual owners also commented on improved disposition, hearing, and quality of life. I have seen limited benefits with oral cyclosporine in end-stage disease Figure 8 , but the drug may be considered in cases when surgery cannot be performed.
It is very important to talk to clients about the lengthy process of managing otitis, including the need for proper home therapy and frequent follow-up visits, pain management, quality of life, long-term prognosis, and medical costs. Clients must also be taught how to clean the ears and place ear medications.
Dogs with otitis should be reevaluated with otic examination and cytology every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on severity, to assess response to therapy. It is important to treat ear infections until 1 week past clinical improvement and negative ear cytologic results for most bacterial and yeast infections.
For multidrug-resistant and Pseudomonas ear infections, I usually recommend treatment until 1 week past negative cytologic and culture results. Some type of maintenance otic therapy is usually required, such as a cleaning and drying agent to keep the ear canal free of wax buildup , antimicrobial ear cleaners eg, for recurrent ear infections , and sometimes topical glucocorticoids for severe hyperplasia or stenosis, when surgery is not an option.
Surgical management may be recommended Table 3 , particularly in cases of otic tumors and chronic end-stage otitis, when all medical therapeutic attempts are made, after detailed discussion of potential benefits, risks, and postsurgery complications. Histopathology and bacterial culture of removed tissue or masses should always be performed.
Advanced imaging before surgery is ideal. Peer Reviewed. The Challenge of Chronic Otitis in Dogs: From Diagnosis to Treatment Understanding the causes and effects of otitis externa can aid in diagnosis and treatment of this dermatologic infection. Understanding Otitis: Cause and Pathogenesis Understanding the multifactorial nature of otitis and paying attention to the different causes and contributing factors, not just the infection, is critical because the infection is usually only part of the problem Figure 1.
Video otoscopic examination. Figure 8. End-stage otitis.
❾-50%}- Prednisone for dog ear infection
When inflammation is severe, a steroid may be needed to give comfort to your pet and decrease the swelling around the ear canals. If there are underlying problems such as thyroid disease or seborrhea, these must also be addressed to clear the infection and reduce the chances of recurrence.
If the ear canals have been permanently narrowed or damage is otherwise severe, surgery may be recommended to allow for drainage and application of medication. In other cases, more extensive surgery may be recommended to prevent the pet from being in chronic pain due to a permanently deformed, infected ear.
Once an infection has been cleared, maintaining a healthy ear environment with regular cleaning helps prevent recurrence. Underlying diseases such as allergies and skin disorders must be identified and resolved in order to help avoid future infections. This article has been reviewed by a Veterinarian. Care Your Pet's Prescribed Diet. Care Vomiting in Cats and Dogs. Care Selecting a Groomer. Antibiotics used to treat bacterial ear infections in dogs include:. Oral antifungal medications and topical antifungal ointment or creams may be used to treat dog ear infections that are fungal in nature and may include:.
Over-the-counter NSAIDs such as Advil ibuprofen and Aleve naproxen and products containing acetaminophen such as Tylenol should never be given to dogs, as they can cause serious health issues.
NSAIDS are not typically used in combination with corticosteroids due to risk of stomach ulcers when these two types of medications are used together.
Because corticosteroids are a common part of combination ear medications, it is important to only use canine NSAIDs after recommendations from your veterinarian. For example, veterinarians may offer a total ear canal ablation TECA , a procedure that removes the vertical and horizontal ear canals down to the level of the middle ear.
Whittenburg says. Richardson says. Keeping the ears clean and dry can help prevent dog ear infections; especially in breeds with floppy ears that can trap moisture such as retrievers, basset hounds, and cocker spaniels—as well as any dog that swims frequently. This usually involves using a cleanser in the ear canal and massaging at the base of the ear. Dogs can react to many different allergens and if atopy is suspected further investigation and treatment is required. Food allergies can also commonly result in recurrent otitis externa, and a food trial is recommended.
Discharge and odour may be noticeable to people. Bacteria and yeast infections must be treated medically. Ear infections can be a frustrating, recurring problem, and it is important to treat them properly from the start. To do this we need to know what sort of infection is in the ear, to do proper home care regularly, and to have recheck appointments to ensure that infections have resolved before stopping treatment. In recurrent cases preventative measures are then put in place to help prevent recurrence.
This will help us determine the most appropriate ear drop for your dog. In some cases rod infections we can need to send a sample away to be cultured to determine which treatment to use, as resistance to multiple antibiotics is common with these infections.
It is also very important to thoroughly clean the ear canals, as discharge in the ears will prevent medication from working effectively. In the majority of cases an ear cleaner can be used at home.
These are great options for patients that do not allow topical therapy at home and to improve compliance, with potential benefit for acute or mild otitis cases. Their use in chronic severe otitis cases is limited because severe hyperplasia and stenosis preclude ear cleaning and evaluation of the tympanic membrane. These drugs may be used in animals with otitis media, moderate or marked proliferative changes with suspected otitis media, or no response to appropriate topical therapy and cleansing.
Usually, higher doses are recommended to achieve good penetration in the middle ear. Treatment duration may vary; however, I usually treat for 1 month after resolution of clinical signs and healing of the tympanic membrane from spontaneous perforation or myringotomy.
Fluoroquinolones may be prescribed when Pseudomonas species, other relevant gram-negative organisms, or very resistant gram-positive bacteria are isolated and susceptibility is confirmed after culture. Higher doses than usually recommended may be needed. Ciprofloxacin should be avoided in dogs because oral absorption is inconsistent and low In rare cases, injectable antimicrobials, such as aminoglycosides, carbapenems, and ceftazidime sodium, may be required to treat multidrug-resistant otitis cases.
Potential side effects with these therapies need to be considered. Referral of these cases to a dermatologist should be considered, particularly when treatment options are limited. Antifungal agents can sometimes be used in severe cases of Malassezia otitis or cases with poor response to topical agents alone. Oral antifungals commonly used include ketoconazole Nizoral, nizoral. Terbinafine Lamisil, lamisilat. Glucocorticoids are usually indicated in cases of markedly inflamed and painful otitis with chronic pathologic changes, such as marked hyperplasia and stenosis of the canal.
Oral anti-inflammatory dosages of prednisone or prednisolone 0. I typically recommend oral glucocorticoids for cases of Pseudomonas otitis and for dogs that have undergone deep ear flushing.
Oral glucocorticoids can also be helpful to reduce pain and discomfort, particularly a few days before the owners clean and medicate the ears. When longer-term treatment is expected, alternate-day glucocorticoid therapy may be indicated, with careful monitoring for adverse effects. Oral cyclosporine Atopica, us.
All dogs were evaluated clinically every 4 weeks to monitor progress; they all showed significant clinical improvement based on owner and clinical assessments. Individual owners also commented on improved disposition, hearing, and quality of life.
I have seen limited benefits with oral cyclosporine in end-stage disease Figure 8 , but the drug may be considered in cases when surgery cannot be performed. It is very important to talk to clients about the lengthy process of managing otitis, including the need for proper home therapy and frequent follow-up visits, pain management, quality of life, long-term prognosis, and medical costs.
Clients must also be taught how to clean the ears and place ear medications. Dogs with otitis should be reevaluated with otic examination and cytology every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on severity, to assess response to therapy.
It is important to treat ear infections until 1 week past clinical improvement and negative ear cytologic results for most bacterial and yeast infections. For multidrug-resistant and Pseudomonas ear infections, I usually recommend treatment until 1 week past negative cytologic and culture results. Some type of maintenance otic therapy is usually required, such as a cleaning and drying agent to keep the ear canal free of wax buildup , antimicrobial ear cleaners eg, for recurrent ear infections , and sometimes topical glucocorticoids for severe hyperplasia or stenosis, when surgery is not an option.
Canine otitis externa is a common dermatologic problem in small animal practice. Affected ears are often painful and pruritic e.
Therefore, the primary causes of the ear problem must be identified, eliminated, or managed long term. Otitis externa is considered a multifactorial disorder; the most common primary cause is allergy, which is often secondarily accompanied by microbial infections Malassezia and bacteria. The diagnostic workup for otitis externa requires a detailed history, thorough physical and ear examinations, and cytologic evaluation.
Bacterial and fungal cultures are rarely needed unless systemic antimicrobial therapy is necessary for otitis media. Diagnostic imaging e. Radiographic findings may be falsely negative, but radiographs may also be a cost-effective option in general practice. Whenever possible, the tympanic membrane should be evaluated for any changes e. Ear cytology, with Diff-Quik staining, is an effective and quick in-house option to confirm and quantify any type of infection and degree of inflammation and should be performed for all dogs with otitis externa.
Most otitis externa cases can be sufficiently managed by topical therapy; however, otitis is likely to return after topical treatment if the underlying cause e.
Before beginning therapy, ensure that the amount of debris in the ear canal is minimal; excessive ear debris should be removed by a deep ear flush. If the ear canals are severely inflamed, the authors recommend pretreatment with systemic anti-inflammatory drugs e. A thorough ear flush will enable visualization of the tympanic membrane but will also prevent trapping and inactivation of ear medication in the debris. After successful treatment of an ear infection and inflammation, regular ear cleaning at home every 7 to 14 days as needed will also help reduce accumulation of otic material and recurrence of infections.
Ear cleaners have different properties e. TABLE 2 lists some of the ear cleaners available on the market. Some cases can be quite painful, and the ear canal can be edematous from the inflammation, which can make an otoscopic examination very difficult, even with the patient under sedation.
The otoscopic examination can be facilitated by giving patients a short course of oral glucocorticoids e. A common cause for acute otitis externa is foreign bodies e. Removing the foreign body will result in a fast recovery and eliminate the need for further treatment in the absence of secondary infection.
Ear diseases that have been present for at least 1 month or that recur frequently are considered chronic.
Patrick Hensel is a graduate of the University of Bern, Switzerland. After completing a doctorate thesis and a rotating internship at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, he moved to the United States, where he completed a 3-year veterinary dermatology residency at the University of Georgia in He stayed on as a faculty member untilwhen he decided to move back to Switzerland to open his own dermatology clinic in his hometown of Basel in Nao Hensel obtained her doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Colorado State University in She then completed a 1-year rotating small animal internship in Massachusetts followed by a 3-year veterinary dermatology residency in Georgia.
A native of Japan, Dr. Hensel subsequently moved to Basel, Switzerland, where she opened a veterinary dermatology practice in Canine otitis externa is a common dermatologic problem in small animal practice. Affected ears are often painful and pruritic e. Therefore, the primary causes of the ear problem must be identified, eliminated, or managed long term. Otitis externa is considered a multifactorial disorder; the most common primary cause is allergy, which is often secondarily accompanied by microbial infections Malassezia and bacteria.
The diagnostic workup for otitis externa requires a detailed history, thorough physical and ear examinations, and cytologic evaluation. Bacterial and fungal cultures are rarely needed unless systemic antimicrobial therapy is necessary for otitis media. Diagnostic imaging e. Radiographic findings may be falsely negative, but radiographs may also be a cost-effective option in general practice. Whenever possible, the tympanic membrane should be evaluated for any changes e.
Ear cytology, with Diff-Quik staining, is an effective and quick in-house option to confirm and quantify any type of infection and degree of inflammation and should be performed for all dogs with otitis externa. Most otitis externa cases can be sufficiently managed by topical therapy; however, otitis is likely to return after topical treatment if the underlying cause e.
Before beginning therapy, ensure that the amount of debris in the ear canal is minimal; excessive ear debris should be removed by a deep ear flush. If the ear canals are severely inflamed, the authors recommend pretreatment with systemic anti-inflammatory drugs e. A thorough ear flush will enable visualization of the tympanic membrane but will also prevent trapping and inactivation of ear medication in the debris. After successful treatment of an ear infection and inflammation, regular ear cleaning at home every 7 to 14 days as needed will also help reduce accumulation of otic material and recurrence of infections.
Ear cleaners have different properties e. TABLE 2 lists some of the ear cleaners available on the market. Some cases can be quite painful, and the ear canal can be edematous from the inflammation, which can make an otoscopic examination very difficult, even with the patient under sedation.
The otoscopic examination can be facilitated by giving patients a short course of oral glucocorticoids e. A common cause for acute otitis externa is foreign bodies e. Removing the foreign body will result in a fast recovery and eliminate the need for further treatment in the absence of secondary infection.
Ear diseases that have been present for at least 1 month or that recur frequently are considered chronic. Management of chronic cases is more challenging BOX 1. Although it is important to treat the infections, it is also important to address the inflammation and underlying problem. Depending on the severity of the inflammation and stenosis, oral glucocorticoids may be needed to reduce ear canal inflammation. A pilot study of 5 dogs indicated that cyclosporine may be another potent anti-inflammatory drug and that it may effectively control chronic otitis, especially with long-term use.
Many commercially available topical ear medications contain a combination of antibiotics, antifungals, and glucocorticoids and are supplied in different formulations for daily or weekly applications TABLE 3. Malassezia yeast organisms are often secondarily present in patients with chronic ear disease. Malassezia otitis typically results in variable degrees of inflammation and excessive, malodorous, mostly brown to dark-brown, waxy discharge.
Of note, however, the number of Malassezia organisms seen during cytologic examination does not always correlate with the severity of clinical signs.
Malassezia organisms not only have the ability to increase hyperplasia and secretion by proteins and enzymes they produce but also may be able to trigger an immune response, resulting in severe inflammation and potentially hypersensitive reaction.
Fungal culture is not recommended because Malassezia organisms are usually not resistant to antimicrobials such as azoles, the organism does not grow well on regular fungal culture media, and standardized susceptibility testing is not available.
Uncomplicated Malassezia overgrowth can usually be controlled by regular at-home ear cleaning e. For more severe and chronic cases, the authors prefer to use a topical product containing antifungal medication e. Initially, the ear flush is performed daily until the yeast infection is under control 1 to 3 weeksfollowed by once weekly for maintenance. A recent preliminary in vitro study showed that the dexamethasone SP added to several commercially available ear flush products is stable for 21 to 90 days at room temperature.
The normal microflora within the ear canals is characterized by a diverse population of bacteria in phyla such as Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, and Fusobacteria. In patients with chronic otitis externa, the microbial populations become much less diverse and are dominated by organisms such as Staphylococcus and Pseudomonasand to a lesser degree by CorynebacteriumProteusLactobacillusStreptococcusPorphyromonasand Enterococcus. Figure 1. Suppurative otitis with erythema and purulent discharge in an atopic dog with secondary Pseudomonas otitis.
As with Malasseziabacterial ear infections are considered secondary problems; if bacterial infections are recurring, the patient should be thoroughly investigated for primary underlying diseases, such as allergies. Because bacterial otitis externa is treated topically, bacterial culture and sensitivity is often not necessary because susceptibility testing cannot accurately determine resistance for topically applied antimicrobials.
Minimum inhibitory concentration MIC is the lowest concentration of antibiotic that prevents bacterial growth and helps guide susceptibility testing; however, correctly applied topical antibiotics usually reach MICs of up to to fold. Despite the high MICs, before treatment is started, any debris and purulent discharge must be removed and sufficient ear medication must be applied. The recommended amount is 0.
To increase client compliance with treatment, 1-mL syringes can be sent home with clients so that they can draw up the recommended amount of ear medication. Numerous commercially available ear products contain antibiotics or disinfectants with antibacterial activity TABLE 3.
Common antibiotics are aminoglycosides gentamicin, neomycinfluoroquinolones ciprofloxacin, enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, orbifloxacinpolymyxins colistin sulfate, polymyxin Bfusidic acid, florfenicol, and silver sulfadiazine. Many chronic cases of bacterial otitis externa are associated with Pseudomonas organisms; typically effective antibiotics are fluoroquinolones, gentamicin, and polymyxin B.
However, treatment can be complicated by development of multidrug resistance as well as the formation of biofilm. These agents weaken the bacterial cell wall and facilitate penetration of the antibiotic into the bacteria.
This action has been demonstrated in vitro for multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas. It is well tolerated and not ototoxic. Biofilm has been recognized as a major virulence factor in chronic infections.
It increases antimicrobial resistance by shielding bacteria from the immune system and topical medication. Biofilm is an extracellular matrix i. Figure 2. Dark, slimy otic discharge from a dog with Pseudomonas otitis and biofilm.
Figure 3. Neutrophils and bacteria surrounded by thick purple staining filaments and lace-like material in otic discharge from dog with Pseudomonas otitis and biofilm. Removing biofilm can be challenging; it needs to be broken down physically by thorough flushing and aspiration. In addition, combination of Tris-EDTA and N-acetylcysteine topical product can help to disrupt and liquify the biofilm. Various parasites e. In higher numbers, mites are typically associated with dark-brown, granular coffee-ground exudate.
Chronic ceruminous otitis externa is sometimes caused by Demodex mites. A few topical acaricidal ear preparations containing ivermectin e. However, because many mites and ticks commonly affect other body areas, pesticides with a more systemic or generalized effect are recommended, such as spot-on topicals e.
Although treating otitis externa can be challenging, most chronic and recurrent cases can be medically treated and successfully managed, especially when underlying causes are addressed. Under certain circumstances, a surgical intervention may be necessary, but it should be performed only after all primary causes have been identified and corrected.
Because of the severity of chronic otitis and potential involvement of the middle ear, the most effective surgical procedure is total ear canal ablation combined with lateral bulla osteotomy; however, clients must be informed about the potential risks and postsurgical complications.
It is very important to clearly and thoroughly discuss with clients the requirements for successfully managing chronic otitis. Discussions should address the primary causes e. To increase client compliance, show them how to clean and treat the ears, provide detailed written instructions, and schedule follow-up calls, all of which can be done by skilled veterinary nurses. To increase patient compliance, provide pain control and ensure that ear cleaning and treatment are gently performed.
Paterson S, Matyskiewicz W. A study to evaluate the primary causes associated with Pseudomonas otitis in 60 dogs. J Small Anim Pract. Aetiology of canine otitis externa: a retrospective study of cases. Vet Dermatol. Oral cyclosporine in the treatment of end-stage ear disease: a pilot study. Nuttall T. Successful management of otitis externa. In Practice. Chen T, Hill PB. The biology of Malassezia organisms and their ability to induce immune responses and skin disease.
Preliminary study of the stability of dexamethasone when added to commercial veterinary ear cleaners over a day period. Cerumen microbial community shifts between healthy and otitis affected dogs. Section 2: Otic preparations. Ames, IA: Wiley-Blackwell; — Evaluation of biofilm production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa from canine ears and the impact of biofilm on antimicrobial susceptibility in vitro.
Tris-EDTA significantly enhances antibiotic efficacy against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro. Glaze MB.
A course of corticosteroid tablets (prednisolone) is often required to help reduce the inflammation. In severe cases we will also need to use. Prednisone does not treat infections. Prednisone reduces the inflammation response and may alleviate the symptoms. But it also suppresses the immune response of. Depending on the severity of the inflammation and stenosis, oral glucocorticoids may be needed to reduce ear canal inflammation. Prednisolone (1 to 2 mg/kg q12h. The prednisone will help with the itch and inflammation. The Dem-Otic may treat any Yeats or bacterial infection. You should clean your pet's ears out. Don't try to treat a dog ear infection without a vet. Because corticosteroids are a common part of combination ear medications. Many are a combination of an antifungal, corticosteroid, and antibiotic.Search for:. Home Care. Facebook Twitter Email Print. Skip To. Chronic ear infections may involve bacterial or yeast overgrowth in the external, middle, or inner ear. Chronic infection can permanently damage the ear canal and cause pain, neurologic signs, and deafness. Ear infections are usually secondary to an underlying condition that allows for an unhealthy ear environment. Treatment is based on eliminating the bacteria or yeast with antibiotics or antifungal medication while working to resolve the underlying condition.
Regular ear cleanings and resolution of the underlying condition help to prevent recurrence. What Is a Chronic Ear Infection? Ear infections are usually secondary to inflammation of the external ear canals the tube-shaped part of the ear visible under the ear flap.
Inflammation of the canals leads to the reproduction of normal bacteria and yeast that live in the ear to the point where the body is unable to control their numbers called overgrowth. Other bacteria can also take advantage of the inflammation and unhealthy environment inside the ear to establish infection. The overgrowth of these organisms causes more inflammation. Inflammation of the ear canal causes swelling, making the tube narrower than usual. Inflammation also causes an increase in the production of wax.
The ears become very itchy and painful. Severe ear infections can lead to eardrum rupture and middle and inner ear infections. Deep infections can lead to deafness and neurologic signs. Certain disorders or diseases may be the primary reason ear infections develop.
These conditions include: Allergies environmental and food Ear mites Foreign bodies Skin disorders like seborrhea Thyroid disease in dogs Tumors or polyps in the ear Ear infections may recur because of the inability to control the original infection or treat the underlying cause. Chronic changes lead to future infections, and scar tissue and permanent narrowing of the ear canals can make future infections difficult to treat.
What Are the Signs of an Ear Infection? An external ear infection first shows signs of local inflammation redness, discharge. Pets may shake their heads, scratch their ears, or rub their ears against furniture or the floor. Some pets with severe infections may cry or groan as they rub and scratch their ears. Some pets scratch so severely that their nails create wounds on the skin around their face, neck, and ears. External ear infections may progress to involve the middle and inner ear, leading to more serious signs of disease: External ear infection otitis externa Itchy or painful ears Head shaking Discharge and odor from the ears Narrowing or even closing of the canals Middle ear infection otitis media Paralysis of the nerves in the face Dry eye Hearing loss Abnormal pupil size Inner ear infection otitis interna Inability to keep balance, stand, or walk Nausea Head tilt How Is an Ear Infection Diagnosed and Treated?
During a physical examination, your veterinarian will look in the ear for the presence of inflammation, redness, discharge, growths, or other findings that may indicate an ear infection.
Sometimes, a cotton swab is used to collect debris from the ear. This material can be placed on a slide and examined under a microscope to determine if the infection is due to yeast, bacteria, or mites.
Your veterinarian may also collect a sample of ear debris for culture and sensitivity testing, which identifies the exact organisms present and helps your veterinarian select the best antibiotic to use. In severe cases, or if the animal is in too much pain to permit an examination of the ears, sedation may be needed to evaluate the ears, collect samples of discharge, clean the ears, and initiate treatment.
With the pet sedated, the ears can be gently flushed to remove debris and facilitate better examination of the ear. Radiographs X-rays and other diagnostic tests can be performed while the pet is sedated to determine if the middle or inner ear are also involved.
Once the infection has been identified, most animals with chronic ear infections can be treated at home. Ear mites are relatively easy to treat with medication placed directly into the ear or applied topically between the shoulder blades.
Most yeast and bacterial infections can be treated with regular cleanings and topical or oral medication. When inflammation is severe, a steroid may be needed to give comfort to your pet and decrease the swelling around the ear canals. If there are underlying problems such as thyroid disease or seborrhea, these must also be addressed to clear the infection and reduce the chances of recurrence.
If the ear canals have been permanently narrowed or damage is otherwise severe, surgery may be recommended to allow for drainage and application of medication. In other cases, more extensive surgery may be recommended to prevent the pet from being in chronic pain due to a permanently deformed, infected ear.
Once an infection has been cleared, maintaining a healthy ear environment with regular cleaning helps prevent recurrence. Underlying diseases such as allergies and skin disorders must be identified and resolved in order to help avoid future infections. This article has been reviewed by a Veterinarian. Care Your Pet's Prescribed Diet. Care Vomiting in Cats and Dogs. Care Selecting a Groomer. Our Find A Vet service connects you with leading veterinarians in your area.
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