Animal Care Centers Of Columbus Newsletter PET Dog Cat

Prevention and Treatment of Ear Disease

The ear of both the dog and cat is an important organ. Regular ear cleaning is necessary as an important component of ear health maintenance. Diagnosis and treatment of ear infections must be done properly to prevent damage to the ear. In chronic disease of the ears, factors outside the ear may play a role that contributes to ear disease. Surgery of the ear may be needed to aid in the treatment of ear disease.

Structure of the Ear
The ear canal of both dogs and cats is longer in length than a human’s ear canal. Unlike a human ear canal that is straight, the dog and cat canal is shaped like an “L”. The vertical canal is the upper portion of the canal and the horizontal canal is the lower portion. The ear drum separates the outer ear from the middle and inner ears.

Preventative Ear Cleaning
In the dog and cat, material and water tend to move downward to the horizontal canal against the ear drum. Wax productions can also buildup in the ear canals, leading to odor and blockage of the ear canal. As material and water build up, this can lead to disease. Regular ear cleanings can prevent ear disease by cleaning out wax and debris and by drying the ear canals.

In certain dog species, regular ear cleanings are a mandatory part of health care. By starting ear cleanings at a young age, ear cleaning can become well tolerated by the dog. Water breeds, such as the Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever, produce abundant wax that can lead to odor and disease. Long ear breeds, such as the Cocker Spaniel and Basset Hound, will have excess odor and wax due to poor ventilation. Breeds that require regular grooming, such as the Poodle, Bichon Frise and Shih tzu, often have excess hair growing in the ear canals that can lead to wax trapage and moisture buildup. Even dogs with upright ears such as the Siberian Husky and German Shepard, may need regular ear cleanings. In the cat, regular cleaning s may be needed in some cases.

There are two important techniques that are used for cleaning of the ears:

“Pour In” Method – With this plan, ear cleaning solution is gently poured into the ear canal until the canal is full. The ear canal is gently massaged, moving the solution up and down the horizontal and vertical canals. Finally, the top of the horizontal canal is lightly wiped out using dry cotton balls until the cotton balls come out clean. If needed the cleaning is repeated.
“Wet Cotton Ball” Method – A cotton ball is supersaturated with the cleaning solution. The cotton ball is inserted into the top of the horizontal canal is lightly wiped. As this is done, the cleaning solution is released and drips down into the ear canal. Again the ear canals are lightly massaged. Finally, the top horizontal canal is gently wiped out, again until the dry cotton balls come out clean. Repeat if needed.

Notes:

a) It is advised not to use cotton swabs in the ear canals. The risk of trauma to the ear canals is too high.

b) The only difference in the two techniques is the volume of cleaning solution used.

c) Dogs that have excess hair in the canals (Poodles et al) must first have the hair plucked out of the canals before cleaning.

d) If you are not certain in regards to your ability to do the above methods, our staff is able to demonstrate for you.

Recommendations for ear cleaning based on ear type

For water breeds – 2-3 times weekly.
For ling ear breeds – 3-4 times weekly.
For upright ear breeds – 1-2 times weekly.
For grooming dogs with hair in the ear canals – 1-2 times weekly. Hair should be plucked monthly.
For cats – 1 time weekly as needed.

Ear Cleaning Solutions
There are two types of solutions that are regularly used:

Vet Solutions Ear Cleaning Solution – it is available in an 8oz bottle. Our most popular ear cleaning product. It has a very mild yet fresh smell and is cleaning and drying.
Oti-Clens Solution – available in 4oz bottles. It is a milder solution for those dogs with more sensitive ears.

Note: It is advised not to use either water or vinegar in the ear. Also, hydrogen peroxide can be damaging to the ear drum.

Ear Infections
Many conditions may lead to infections of the ear canals. It is best to have this evaluated by a veterinarian so as the access severity and type of infections. The treatment can then be targeted as to the needs of the pet. Different combinations of medications may be needed to treat and resolve these concerns.

There are three types of ear infections seen:

Bacterial
Fungal/Yeast
Mixed – a combination of both bacterial and yeast.

An ear swab cytology is used to microscopically evaluate the infection and target treatment response. It is always important to treat the ear for the entire course of medications, as failure to do so may lead to recurrence of the infection or chronic disease of the ear. This is always an important part of disease treatment. Finally, regular ear cleanings may be used as a component of the treatment plan.

Chronic Ear Disease
For our discussion, a chronic ear disease would be a concern that has been treated three or more times without resolution. Also, if the condition resolves while on treatment, then recurs when treatment is stopped. When this is seen, a further evaluation is advised to examine if an outside concern is also present.

Hypothyroidism (dog) – There is a strong connection between low thyroid levels in the dog and chronic ear disease. Hypothyroidism may cause clinical signs in other areas of the body as well. A thyroid blood test is advised to measure the thyroid level. If hypothyroid, the dog is started on a twice daily supplement and blood levels are checked regularly. When hypothyroidism is managed, ear disease can also be easier to treat.

Food Allergies (dog and cat) – Some food components can lead to allergy that affects the bodies of dogs and cats. Common food components are beef, chicken, corn, and wheat/gluten products. If a food allergy is suspected, a food trial is done. The pet’s food is switched to a different food for six to eight weeks and the pet is monitored for response. In some cases, medications may also be used to help in the transition. After six to eight weeks, the goal is to see fewer allergies, and in turn less disease influences on the ear. This should result in better control of the ear disease.

Resistant Infections (dog and cat) – Overuse of ear medications can lead to resistance of the ear infections. A culture and sensitivity of the ear canal debris is advised. This can then allow a more targeted treatment of the ear disease.

Masses in the ear canals (dog and cat) – Growths in the ear canals can prevent resolution of the ear disease. Surgery is often needed to remove and analyze the mass. Treatment of the growth is based on the histopathology report.

Surgery of the ear
In cases where medical treatment also is not effective in resolving the ear disease, surgery of the ear may be needed. These cases are carefully evaluated on an individual basis. Some ear surgeries can lead to cosmetic changes to the ears. The ultimate goal is resolution of the ear disease.