KEEPING AN EYE ON YOUR PETS EARS
Clean, odour-free, pale pink colour and minimal accumulation of wax are all indications of healthy ears. You should check your pets ears regularly.
Signs of Ear Disease
• Unpleasant odour
• Excessive scratching and pawing of the ear and head
• Sensitivity to touch, often resulting in pain
• Constant tilting/shaking of the head to one side
• Black or yellowish discharge
• Redness or swelling of the ear flap or canal
• Changes in behavior like listlessness, depression or irritability
• Accumulation of dark brown wax
• Loss of balance or hearing and disorientation
• Bleeding or discharge resembling coffee grinds
Ear mites are common parasites that are highly contagious. Excessive itching is the most common sign. Ear mites create dark, crumbly debris that look like coffee grinds.
Aural Haematoma means blood has accumulated in the ear flap (pinna). The cause of this condition in many cases is still unknown, but can sometimes be caused by vigorous head shaking, scratching or trauma to the ear arearesulting in damage to the blood vessels, often set off by infection, mites, fleas or debris.
Otis Externa, inflammation of the ‘external’ ear canal and Otis Media, inflammation of the ‘middle’ ear are usually caused by bacteria and/or yeast. Other possibilities include accumulation of wax, matted hair, debris or a foreign object lodged in the ear canal. When seeking treatment, act quickly. If your dog has an ear infection, he/she will be in considerable discomfort.
Ear infections can also be indicative of other problems such as underlying allergies. If you notice any of these abnormalities with your pets ears, visit your local veterinarian for the best treatment and advice.
South Wairarapa Veterinary Services
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