Note: cases with only - moderate swelling/discharge and not affected by pain

Thank you for your call and the pleasant conversation we had about lovely XX (dog's name)

As discussed during our conversation, the suggestion is that your dog has a possible inflammatory condition of the outer ear ( otitis externa).

It is a common condition in dogs and the most common symptoms include scratching at the ear(s), head shaking, a tilted-head position, redness of the outer ear and increased secretion of ear secretions with a varying intensity of odour and colour.

Ear infections are most often caused by the dog's own skin bacteria or yeasts. These are normally found in the ears in smaller quantities, but can increase in number for various reasons if the skin's barrier is weakened for some reason at that site.

 It can be as a consequence of allergies, excessive hair growth, heavy, hot and drooping earlobes( pinnae) or water in the ear canal after swimming or bathing - that provide a warm and moist environment in the ear canal, which then promotes an excessive amount of bacteria and yeasts.

As agreed, you can try treatment at home in the following way: 

• Clean the ear canal with XX - ear cleaner over the counter (REMEMBER recommend: Known NOT ototoxic ear cleaner - cf. eardrum status not known)
• Fill the entire ear canal with the liquid, close the outer ear and massage under the ear. Leave the product on for at least 5-10 minutes. The dog usually shakes its head, let it do so and then wipe off excess liquid with a cotton ball. Avoid putting a cotton ball in the ear canal.

If your dog does not get better within 1-2 days after cleaning with an over-the-counter preparation, or if additional symptoms occur such as: 

• Redness
• Tenderness 
• Increased secretions
• Pain

 - stop treatment immediately and contact a veterinarian for a physical examination .

At the clinic, swab samples may be taken from the ear to assess the type of infection the animal has. In this way, the vet can assess and advise the optimal and most effective treatment that should be started.

For animals with recurring ear infections, it is usually necessary to investigate the underlying cause. This is so that chronic structural changes to the tissue nor resistant infections do not develop. Sometimes removal of ear wax or performing an ear canal flush is necessary under anaesthesia - in order to further clarify that there are no foreign objects in the ear canal.

Some patients need further examinations and multi-modal treatments consisting of ear swabs and medication with different types of ear drops depending on the cause and possible supplementation of pain medication to reduce swelling and pain.

You are always welcome to contact us again for a follow-up call should any doubts or additional questions arise.