Ear infections are more common in dogs than they are in cats. Dogs with long, pendulous ears or those with hairy ear flaps are more susceptible to ear infections. These include cocker spaniels, basset hounds, schnauzers and miniature poodles. Persian cats more frequently have ear infections than other cats. Ear infections are usually easy to treat. Serious damage can occur if left untreated.
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Causes
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Ear infections in dogs are usually caused by bacteria or yeast, according to Healthy Pet. Matted hair, accumulated wax, food or environmental allergies, foreign matter, mites, debris or a tumor can also result in an infection. Mites are the most common problem for cats, according to FoxNest Veterinary Hospital. A ruptured eardrum from ulceration, improper cleaning or foreign bodies also allows middle ear infection. Infections may affect the outer ear, the middle ear or the inner ear.
Symptoms
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Your pet may indicate discomfort by scratching its ears or vigorously shaking its head. There may be a yellowish or dark discharge with a foul odor and the ears may be inflamed and red. The longer the infection is left untreated, the more difficult it becomes to treat. Your dog or cat can cause damage by scratching and shaking, such as broken blood vessels, according to Health Pet. In cases of chronic infections, the ear canal may close, requiring surgery.
Diagnosis
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Your veterinarian can examine your pet's ears using an instrument that magnifies and lights the ear canal. This allows him to see if there is damage to the eardrum or if there is any foreign matter in the ear. A sample of the material from the ear can be examined with a microscope to find the organism that is causing the infection. Lab tests or X-rays may also be needed for diagnosis, according to Healthy Pet. Your pet will also be examined for other problems, such as skin lesions or signs of inhalant allergies.
Treatment
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Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Yeast infections are treated with antifungal medications such as clotrimazole, according to FoxNest Veterinary Hospital. Ear mites may be treated with ivermectin or a multipurpose spot treatment, such as Revolution, which kills ear mites in addition to fleas, sarcoptic mange and intestinal worms. Ear infections may be due to food allergies. Food trials are necessary in these cases to determine your dog's or cat's allergy. Itching and irritation may be treated with prednisone or Benadryl to provide relief until the infection has been eliminated.
Prevention
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Prevention measures include keeping your pet's ears dry, weekly cleanings with a gentle solution that is recommended by your veterinarian and removal of excess hair on the inside of the animal's ear flap. Antihistamines may be used to control allergies.
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