Unfortunately, diseases that overpower the ears of dogs are quite common. Almost every owner of a four-legged friend is sure to face one or another ear disease of his pet. Often ear infections occur in dogs with long hanging ears ( Afghan greyhounds , dachshunds, setters , etc.), but breeds with short standing ears are not immune from such troubles.
Diseases of the ear in dogs are:
- viral, bacterial origin;
- allergic;
- parasitic origin;
- because of injuries;
- due to the penetration of foreign bodies;
- inflammatory nature.
The dog's ear is a very delicate organ, so even minor injuries (insect bites, small cuts) can lead not only to bleeding and bruises, but also to more serious diseases and even necrosis.
Ear infections in dogs
Otitis is one of the most common diseases of dogs. There are external otitis media, as well as otitis media of the inner and middle ear.
Symptoms of external otitis in dogs:
- ears shaking;
- fierce ches ears;
- specific odor from the ear (from sweet to fetid);
- discharge from the ears (pus, soup, earwax with an unpleasant odor).
Among diseases of dogs, otitis externa is almost always transformed into a chronic form, so if you have already faced this disease once before, you should carefully monitor your pet and take preventive measures.
Symptoms of otitis media of the inner and middle ear in dogs:
- loss of balance when walking;
- stumbling, falling, disorientation;
- frequent turning in one direction.
The disease is dangerous because the infection can pass through the middle and inner ear to the meninges.
Among the ear diseases of dogs, ear mites, auricular hematoma and foreign body entry into the ear canal are also quite common.
Treatment of ear diseases in dogs
If ear canine diseases are not taken seriously, this can lead to complications and complete loss of hearing in your pet. Therefore, with the first symptoms of manifestations of diseases should immediately contact the veterinarian.
As a rule, treatment of ear diseases of dogs consists of
- removal of a foreign body (if any);
- cleaning of the ears;
- reception of antibiotics, steroids and antihistamines.
Ear mites are a disease of the ears in dogs that can be cured independently. To do this, it is necessary to drip a few drops of vegetable oil daily for three weeks in each ear of the pet. This therapy will kill parasites and stop the development of infection. But it is better to see a doctor to confirm the diagnosis and treatment.