Canine Inner Ear Tumor Symptoms

Canine inner ear tumors cause discomfort and a variety of other symptoms among animals affected. Pet owners are unlikely to notice a dog's tumor until symptoms appear, according to petplace.com. Treatment for an inner ear tumor depends upon the type of tumor and its exact location. Here are some signs that may indicate your dog has an inner ear tumor.

  1. Vestibular Disease

    • One of the common signs of canine inner ear tumors is vestibular disease. Vestibular disease occurs when the vestibular system is disrupted. According to canine-epilepsy.com, the vestibular system helps to maintain balance and coordinate eye movements with the movement of the dog's head. Signs of an unbalanced vestibular system, also called vestibular disease, are head tilt, loss of balance and rapid eye movement. Tumors in the inner ear canal can cause this loss of balance in the vestibular system, resulting in vestibular disease.

    Bleeding and Discharge

    • If a tumor is present in a canine's inner ear canal, you may detect bleeding or other discharge coming from the area, says petplace.com. The tumor can become irritated and start to bleed or release some of the material that is inside. Look inside your dog's ear to detect any blood or discharge. Keep in mind that severe ear infections can also cause heavy discharge, as well as bleeding; therefore, it is best to consult with your dog's veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis of what is causing the abnormality.

    Odor

    • Odor from the ear may be detected among dogs with inner ear tumors, according to petplace.com. This odor could be caused by material that is leaking from the tumor. Ear infections can also cause odor, especially if they are caused by yeast. Only a veterinarian can determine what is causing the odor by performing a thorough examination with an otoscope and looking at any ear discharge under a microscope.

    Scratching at Ear

    • A dog may become agitated or irritated by a growing tumor and may scratch at its ear. The dog might also rub its head against the floor, furniture, or anything vertical that could provide a bit of relief. Scratching and rubbing of the ears are also symptoms of ear infections; therefore, if your dog is displaying any of these symptoms, visit a veterinarian for an exam immediately.