Ear canal diseases in dogs and cats are common, especially in summer, and are related to a variety of factors. Although they are not harmful, it is particularly critical to distinguish them, seek medical treatment in time, and carry out prevention and treatment to improve the quality of life of your pet.

Four diseases:

1. Otitis externa: Infection of the external auditory canal can be localized (furuncle) or involve the entire external auditory canal (diffuse otitis externa). It is more common in summer. There are many causes of otitis externa, including bacterial infections and skin diseases such as atopic eczema. If the skin on the inner wall of the ear canal is sensitive, scratched by foreign objects, bitten by parasites, irritated on the inner wall of the ear canal, or the earwax is blocked and moist for a long time, the chance of infection will be high.

2. Otitis interna: Otitis interna is an inflammation of the tympanic cavity, and can cause secondary otitis interna, causing deafness or balance disorders. Causes Most otitis media and otitis interna are caused by severe otitis externa. The most common pathogenic bacteria are Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas and Proteus. Bacteria spread to the tympanic membrane and inner ear through the external auditory canal, Eustachian tube, or through hematogenous infection of the middle ear and inner ear.

In severe cases, suppurative otitis interna will appear, with a foul odor and purulent secretions flowing out. Usually, treatment requires soaking in hydrogen peroxide and rinsing with normal saline, followed by anti-inflammatory and ear medicine.

3. Ear fungus: Ear fungal infection in dogs and cats is often caused by moisture, carelessness in cleaning, and scratching of the affected limbs. Symptoms such as ear canal thickening, redness, and dandruff usually occur. You can clean it with diluted potassium permanganate or sodium bicarbonate, and then apply an antifungal spray or ointment daily.

4. Ear mites: Ear mites are small parasites that live on the surface of the skin and the external auditory canal. They suck lymph fluid and skin cells, and live on tissue residues and tissue nourishment. Ear mites spend their entire lives on their host, laying their eggs in the ear canal and nearby fur. If left untreated, ear mites can lead to ear inflammation and potential deafness. Ear mites are easily transmitted between animals. Even housebound dogs and cats may become infected, as humans may also be temporary carriers.

Clinical symptoms of ear mite infection: pets often scratch their ears and shake their heads. The ears collect a waxy substance (like ground coffee beans) secreted by the sebaceous glands in the external auditory canal. Irritation caused by ear mite saliva makes the external auditory canal red, swollen and inflamed. Frequent scratching and constant shaking of the head can lead to ear hematoma and facial deformation.

Key points for cleaning ears:

First pour the ear cleaning water into the ear canal, then use one hand to lift the ear to prevent the ear cleaning water from flowing out, and massage the ear canal with the other hand to allow the ear cleaning water and earwax to fully act, and then clean it with a rolled cotton swab. Ears can be cleaned several times. Then instill therapeutic ear drops and massage the ears. The instillation method and gestures are the same as those for ear cleaning.

Susceptible dog breeds:

Cocker Spaniel, Miguel, Basset, Pekingese, Golden Retriever, Dachshund and other big-eared dogs or lop-eared dogs.

How to prevent:

1. Pay attention to drying and cleaning the ears, especially after taking a bath. Do not let water accumulate in the ears.

2. Pay attention to the hair in the ear canal and outer ear not to be too dense, especially in summer for big-eared dogs.

3. Check regularly. If any abnormal behavior is found, seek medical treatment in time.

Medical guidance tips

Clinical treatment needs to be based on symptoms and severity, as well as hospital test results, and treatment after diagnosis. Do not use potions or ointments that some people use casually. One is symptomatic, and the other is different in acidity and alkalinity, which may damage the ears or skin.