Otitis is a term used to describe inflammation of the ear and is one of the most common reasons for a vet visit. It is also a common reason for second opinions being sought out. It is important to note that otitis is a condition that needs constant care to prevent flare ups. It is often not something that is cured, but rather a condition that is managed.
Otitis externa (the outer ear) often results when a change in the normal environment of the ear canal causes the glands lining the canal to enlarge and produce excessive wax. Gradually, the outer skin and the inner skin produce excessive fibrous tissue and the canal becomes narrowed. Otitis externa causes pain, itching, redness, and discharge, and when the condition is chronic, it often results in a ruptured ear drum (tympanum) and otitis media (the middle ear).
Otitis media typically occurs as an extension of otitis externa, causing a ruptured membrane (tympanum) that separates the external ear and the middle ear. Otitis externa and otitis media affect dogs and cats of any age and breed, but long-eared dogs, such as spaniels and retrievers, and dogs with hairy external canals, such as terriers and poodles, are more susceptible.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of otitis externa and otitis media are pain, head shaking, scratching at the external ear flaps, and bad odour. In a physical examination by a veterinarian, a dog with the condition may show redness and swelling of the external ear canal, scaling skin, or obstruction of the ear canal. Signs such as tilting the head, anorexia, uncoordination, and occasional vomiting may indicate the development of otitis media, or otitis interna, if the infection and inflammation spreads to the inner ear.
Causes
Otitis externa and otitis media can be caused by a variety of things. The primary causes are parasites, allergies, foreign bodies (e.g. plant awns), accumulation of hair, dead skin build-up (keratinization), and autoimmune diseases.
Other factors that may contribute to the onset of the inflammatory conditions include bacterial infections, mixed infections caused by bacteria and fungal species, and progressive changes in the environment of the outer ear canal. Excessive moisture caused by swimming, or overzealous, abrasive, and improper ear cleaning may also lead to otitis externa and otitis media. Ear mites will also result in otitis.
One of the most common reason for otitis is allergies. It is important to note that the lining of the ear is a continuation of skin. Therefore, it goes hand in hand with skin allergies. Often an animal will first start scratching and shaking an itchy ear. This leads to inflammation which leads to further self-trauma, which leads to secondary infection (bacteria and yeast/fungus). If it is an environmental allergy, ears will only flare up seasonally, often in summer. Food allergies will present all year round. Food trials will help determine if your pet has a food allergy. But even if it is not a food allergy, prescription diets for skin will contribute towards helping the condition.
Diagnosis
Other ways of diagnosing these conditions include skin scrapings from the dog’s ear flaps to test for parasites and skin biopsies to check for autoimmune diseases. However, the single most important tool for diagnosing otitis externa and otitis media is a microscopic examination of the ear discharge (aural exudate). In conditions that are not resolving, it is important to get a sample for culture so that an antibiotic or antifungal can be prescribed that the organism is sensitive to.
Treatment
For mild cases, a topical therapy following a complete cleansing of the external ear is an effective resolution to the problem. For underlying allergies, the inflammation needs to be controlled (often with cortisone). It is vital to get the inflammation down as this prevents pain and further self-trauma to the ear, which will result in secondary infection. Prescription food often helps, as well as adding Omega 3 and 6 to the animal diets.
The topical therapy may consist of antibacterial, corticosteroid and anti-yeast drops. In severe cases of otitis externa and otitis media, where the presence of infectious organisms has been confirmed, oral medication may be prescribed.
Management
Routinely cleansing the dog’s ear with prescribed ear cleaners helps to maintain the ear. It is important to note that otitis is a condition that needs constant care to prevent flare ups. It is often not something that is cured, but rather a condition that is managed. Speak to your vet for a tailored solution to suit your pet, which may include chronic medication and food changes.