Otitis externa, a.k.a. Stinky Ears

Otitis externa, a.k.a. inflammation of the soft tissue of the outer ear, a.k.a. "Stinky Ears"

It's inevitable. If you own a dog, no matter what breed, sooner or later he is going to have a "bad ear". With luck it may happen once or twice in your pet's lifetime and may not inconvenience either of you too much. But, if otitis is in your pet's future, be prepared for one of the most common and frustrating problems encountered in small animal medicine.

The causes of otitis externa are so varied and complex that a definitive diagnosis and treatment may not always be possible. In many cases, those infected, red and smelly ears are just one of the signs of a more generalized skin condition. Some of the more prevalent primary causes include (i) parasites e.g. ear mites (ii) foreign bodies e.g. grass seeds and (iii) direct trauma to the ear.

There are also certain factors that predispose the ear to inflammation and infection. Some examples include the conformation of the ear canal. Breeds such as the terriers and poodles often have long deep canals with heavy growth of hair in the canal itself. This can lead to an increase in moisture and poor drainage. Another breed with frequent ear problems is the Shar Pei. Here the canals are usually narrow and twisty which results in excessive wax accumulation, irritation and eventually infection. Another unfortunate, but common predisposing factor is the over zealous pet owner. These well-intentioned individuals clean and pluck their dog's ears every few days, regardless of whether they need attention or not. The result is usually a painfully inflamed and infected ear, which requires prompt veterinary attention...

A final group of factors involved in this condition are the microbial organisms. Various bacteria and yeasts are commonly cultured from the ear canal and will certainly aggravate the inflammatory process.

Typically, clinical signs of otitis related directly to the ear include head shaking, rubbing and scratching the ears, as well as pain and a bad smell emanating from the ear canal. Sometimes loss of hearing and even behavioral changes may be noted.

To assist your veterinarian in making an accurate diagnosis, try to provide an accurate history, which may include such things as exposure to parasites or allergies. Mention any medications you have used including ear cleaning agents. A thorough exam should be performed including the use of an otoscope to get a close view of the ear canals. Your veterinarian may find it necessary to culture a badly infected ear so as to determine which antibiotic would be most effective. In certain cases where a growth is detected in the canal, a biopsy and possibly an x-ray may be indicated.

The initial aim of treatment for otitis externa is to reduce the inflammation, since this is the primary cause of discomfort and pain. Once this is controlled, every effort should be made to identify and eliminate the underlying cause of the problem. While there are many aspects involved with treatment some of the following may be required:

a) The use of an external ear canal cleanser. This makes the environment less favorable for bacteria and yeasts to grow and often reduces inflammation.
b) A drying agent to reduce the amount of moisture in the canal.
c) Topical anti-inflammatory and anti bacterial treatment. This might be in the form of a liquid or ointment that is placed directly into the ear canal and gently massaged so as to ensure that the deeper areas are adequately medicated.
d) Topical antiparasitic or antifungal medications. May be used in cases of ear mite infestation or ringworm infection (fungus).
e) Systemic treatment. This includes the use of injectable or oral medications e.g. cortisone and antibiotics. These drugs often help to reduce the pain and inflammation rapidly, thereby improving the comfort of the pet and allowing the owner to properly apply the topical medications.
f) Surgery. In advanced severe cases of otitis externa, surgery may be required to correct defects in conformation of the ear canal and also to improve drainage and ventilation.

As with all medical problems, prevention is better than cure. Take the opportunity during your pet's next physical examination to discuss with your veterinarian how and when to clean your dogs ears. If you notice an inflamed ear or a bad odor, a visit to your veterinarian may save you and your pet a lot of aggravation and discomfort. Don't allow "stinky ear syndrome" to become a permanent part of your dogs life!

Article courtesy of ThePoop.com

Comments

[gayle anziano]

This information was very good to know because as of yesterday i just took my dog to the vet with all those signs now i know what he has wrong with him what good timing i just printed it out to show the vet thank you for printing it

[Scott Graves]

Thank you to everyone who was involved in bringing this article to light. Otitis Externa has clearly taken advantage of my Swiggy's ears. I feel so stupid like for not recognizing the prevention steps instead of the now curing steps.
What started all of this for Swiggy and I was her lack of hearing me when arriving home from work. At first, I actually thought my dog was dead. For me to come home, walk right in throw my keys on the table and see her dead asleep with no wagging tail and no tap dancing. Not only did I scare her(literally), she scared the nest out of me.
So I started growing accustome to the fact my Swiggy dog was 12 years old and was now deaf. Although I didn't think this was normal, I did think it was possible because of her age. But I still thought it was rather odd considering how quick this deafness seem to have appeared.
The stinky ears didn't come about until just rescently. I could of swore it was her blonde coat. Not knowing that such a foul odor could stem from the ears. When I found the odor coming from the ears, then I found the waxey build-up blocking the ear canals. And also the brownish yeast color on the inside top of her ears. I felt like a real genuis then and could now pinpoint the cause of her going deaf or the reason why she thinks everyone quit talking to her.
Thank you so much ThePoop.com for writing this article. I just hope its not to late to save her from hearing again. And even if she doesn't ever hear again, I'm so glad I finally know that Otitis Externa is the cause behind all this deafness and stinkiness. And starting tomorrow the Vet and I can work together to cure my Swiggy Swiggy.
Thank You so much for your time and info..

Swiggy & Scott
Marion,S.C.

[Simba & Elmo]

I just recently was made aware of my Shar pei dog
reason for smelly ears. The odor was really bad so
I rinse out his ears and the odor seems to go away.

This odor happened not too long ago. But I have read that a visit to a vet would be better, I do
not have the resources to pay for a visit.

So my question is: Can I continue to rinse very
carefully not to aggravate to problem his ears
whenever the smell returns?

Thank you for any response.