Ear disease is one of the most common presenting problems that we see in small animal practice today and accounts for around 10% of all cases that we see. There are many diseases that can affect the ears, some of which can be prevented. The ear itself is a complex organ divided into 3 parts - external ear (ear flap and ear canal), middle ear (eardrum, tympanic cavity, ossicles) and inner ear (vestibulocochlear organs). We can see diseases associated with all parts of the ear, each of which can present in different ways.

We love the fact that our patients come in different shapes and sizes, this keeps us on our toes when it comes to treating the canine species. Ear disease is certainly one of those diseases that we see far more frequently in certain breeds. By far the most common sort of ear disease that we see is Otitis externa (ear infection of the external ear). This can be seen in all breeds, but far more frequently it is seen in dog breeds that have long floppy ear flaps, such as spaniels, or dogs that have very hairy ear canals, such as poodles.

Otitis externa can be extremely uncomfortable and in some cases difficult to treat. It is often part of more complex diseases such as allergies, and as veterinarians we must consider this when treating recurrent infections. This ear disease can present in many different ways and some of the clinical signs include, shaking of the head, a discharge and reddening of the ear canal and a bad smell.

To assess ear disease we perform a clinical examination that involves using an auroscope to look down the ear and assess the eardrum as well as a swab to look at what bacteria, parasites and/or yeast may be causing the issue. Treatment generally includes a topical treatment to go down the ear in the first instance though flushing of the ears, further ear swabbing and occasionally surgery is warranted.

We have to be very careful about what we put down the ear as some solutions can be ‘ototoxic’ and cause damage to the eardrum. Ear disease itself can damage the eardrum so it's essential that the eardrum is examined by your vet as using something down the ear when the eardrum is damaged could then affect the middle ear.

For prevention, we would recommend checking the inside of your dog’s ears daily. This will help you to identify if there are any issues early, as the quicker we treat ear disease the better. Some breeds need regular ear cleaner and hair plucking and we will often recommend clipping the inner side of the ear flap short as this helps air flow to the ear. Ear cleaners should always be a liquid and never a powder. It is worth asking your vet for advice on what products to use.

Diseases of the middle and inner ear are also possible. Clinical signs can be mild to severe and will often include a head tilt and being wobbly. Treatment depends on the cause and in some cases it can be extremely challenging to get a resolution. It is also not uncommon to find foreign bodies down the ear canal. The most common culprit is grass seeds that get stuck down the canal (especially in spaniels!). These are generally removed by using tiny forceps.

Although not uncommon in cats, ear disease in cats isn't seen as frequently as it is in dogs. They can get otitis externa, as described above, although it is less frequent as cat’s ears naturally have better ear anatomy with less hair blocking the ear canals. We do see masses within cat’s ear canals including polyps and tumours, such as melanomas, some of which can be removed. White cats or cats with white/exposed tips of ears are at risk from developing skin cancers, so in these cats we would recommend applying sun block if they enjoy the sun!

We hope that this article helps you to identify some of the key signs and symptoms of ear problems in your pet. As always, if you have any concerns regarding this article then please contact us at info@coquetvets.co.uk or call us on 01665 252 250.