Published in the March 18-31, 2015 issue of Morgan Hill Life
Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay
Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay
Treating ear infections takes diligence, knowledge and patience. Bad ears are one of the most common issues presented to us. Many dogs are plagued with recurrent bouts of itchy, red, inflamed ears. It can be one of the most frustrating issues to treat, as ear issues are often chronic in nature, might require lengthy treatment and pets are not always cooperative with ear cleanings and medicating.
Here are some common reasons for treatment failure:
Underlying conditions: Ear infections are often secondary to allergies. It might be the only symptom of allergies or the dog might also have other skin conditions. In allergic animals, the skin (including the ears) can become inflamed, breaking down the normal skin barrier and decreasing the body’s normal protective mechanisms against infection. Until the allergies are controlled, the infections will often recur.
Inadequate treatment length: In animals whose treatment has stopped too soon, the infection might recur. Clients will often stop medicating after the ear looks better, not realizing that the infection is still there. Always finish the entire prescribed course, even if it seems to be better. Depending on the type and severity of the infection, a recheck exam might be recommended to be sure the infection is gone before stopping medication.
Improper medication: There are many different types of bacteria in addition to yeast that might infect the ears. Depending on the severity of the infection and the organisms involved, the treatment might involve ear medications as well as oral medications. The only way to know what organisms are in the ear is to either look at a swab of the material under the microscope or send a sample to the lab for analysis.
Although looking at a slide cannot identify the specific organisms, it can identify the type or organism to help determine which medications are the most likely to be effective. Some organisms, especially if present in large numbers, will require a longer treatment course. In cases of chronic or recurrent infections that have been treated in the past, samples might be sent to the lab. There they can identify each specific organism and determine which medications will be effective for each organism. It will also identify resistant bacteria (MRSA strains). If both ears are infected, there might be one suitable medication for both or each ear might need its own medication.
Inadequate treatment penetration: Most ear preparations are administered with a dispensing device that goes into the ear canal. It can be difficult to determine how much you are putting into the ear and can be difficult to get the medication into some dogs at all. If you have any questions regarding how to use the medication, talk to the veterinary staff and someone will show you how to properly medicate. If there is significant swelling of the canal, sometimes steroids are needed in order to open the canal and allow the medication to reach into the deeper portion of the canal.
Breed predispositions: Dogs with heavy, floppy ears (labs, retrievers, spaniels) tend to develop more ear infections as it creates the perfect environment for bugs to thrive.
Dogs with underlying skin disease usually have ear problems as well (bulldogs, cockers). We also see lots of ear problems in dogs that frequently swim.
Ear infections can be trying for both the client and the pet. Be prepared to follow diligent instructions in treating the ear and identifying any underlying allergic disease in order to prevent future infections. Routine ear cleanings can also be very effective in preventing infections and in identifying infections before they become too severe.
Dr. Jeanne Haggerty-Arcay received her undergraduate degrees in biology, biochemistry and Spanish from the College of Notre Dame, Belmont. She graduated from U.C. Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and three young children and plans to return to her equestrian pastime in the near future.
