Ear Infection in Pets (Otitis Externa)
The Treatment of External Ear Infection or Otitis Externa: It is the medical term for the inflamation of the external ear canal. There are several factors that can lead to this like ear mites, infection, foreign bodies (grass awns like foxtail), any allergy (food, flea and atopy), and hormonal and skin diseases especially in certain breeds more than others. Bacteria and yeast are the two most common types of infections that contribute to ear infection. Many of these organisms are normal inhabitants of the pet's ear canal but when, their numbers increase with the change of ear canal environment ( like getting wet or diry ). they cause the ear canal to be more inflamed and then flares into severe infection. There are other factors like allergy and in some cases thyroid deficiency which complicate the ear infection.
The ultimate goal of the treatment is to change the environment of the ear canal to its normal healthy state. We will gladly discuss and select a treatment regimen designed around yours circumstances and the specific needs of your pet. One of our first priorities will be to clean your pets ears. Waxy buildup and debris can prevent medications from working well. A thorough cleaning will allow us to better understand the seriousness of your pet's problem and also allow the medications to work more effectively. To allow proper cleansing or remove any foreign body to visualize the ear drum and medicate deeply, appropriate pet restraint with tranquilizer or general anesthesia may be required.
Choice of medication will be made depending on your pet's problem. If your pet's problem is related to bacterial infection, antibiotic preparations will be administered and if it is related to a mixed bacterial and yeast infection, a product that has the ability to deal with both of these types of infectious agents will be prescribed. Many times we will select a product that also includes an anti-inflammatory agent. Once the inflammation has subsided, you will notice that your pet will be more comfortable and, therefore, less prone to causing further damage to the ear by scratching, rubbing or shaking.
In certain cases where we feel that there could be a more complicated underlying cause to your pet's problem, further diagnostic tests and more involved treatments may be indicated. In a chronic infection, culture and sensitivity test is recommended to know the type of infection or the specific antibiotics for the treatment of ear infection. To properly medicate your dog's ear, clean the ear properly and remove any waxy debris, apply the prescribed amount of topical medication in and around the ear canal and massaged gently. One of the most common reason for treatment failure is not applying medication at the prescribed intervals for the proper amount of time, and it can lead to other complications like, bacterial resistance to medications, ear hematomas and others. Call us if you have any question at (562)630-2082 and to make an appointment with the doctor.