![\"Otitis](\"http:\/\/vetsupply.thepethost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/VS-Dog-Cat_Ear.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nCauses of Otitis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Otitis occurs as a result of inflammation of the ear. The primary causes that are responsible for the inflammation include allergies, keratinisation disorders, polyps, cysts, tumours, ear mites, fleas<\/a>, food reactions, endocrine diseases, etc. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Other factors that contribute to otitis externa can either predispose the ear to disease or prevent it from healing. Pendulous ears, restricted ear canals, dampness within the ears, secondary bacterial and yeast infections, and middle ear disease may also be the causes of otitis in pets. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Symptoms of Otitis<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The symptoms of otitis are easy to spot. Some of the symptoms of Otitis externa include scratching near the ears, shaking the head, painful ears, red and inflamed ear pinna, discharge in the ear and malodour. Depending on which microorganisms have caused the infection, the discharge can be a thick brown waxy discharge or a purulent (pus) discharge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diagnostic Process<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several steps involved in the diagnosis of otitis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n History<\/p>\n\n\n\n To help\nevaluate the underlying cause and associated circumstances, your vet may ask\nfor a complete history of the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Physical Examination<\/p>\n\n\n\n A\nthorough physical examination, which includes a thorough dermatologic\nexamination, can aid in the identification of an underlying or primary cause. Your\nvet will examine your pet\u2019s ears using an otoscope and may perform several\ntests that may give information about the amount of discharge, the changes in\nthe ear canal, masses, foreign bodies and other things that may be causing the\ninfection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sensitivity and Bacterial Culture<\/p>\n\n\n\n A swab sample taken from your pet\u2019s ears is studied to determine the type of organisms (if any) that are present in the sample. Depending on this, your vet will guide the treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Treatment\nfor otitis has five general goals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your veterinarian will use a therapeutic ear cleanser to thoroughly clean your dog’s ears. Your veterinarian may also recommend that you clean your dog\u2019s ears with a good ear cleaner <\/a><\/strong>at home. Oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs may also be prescribed by your veterinarian in severe situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is indeed vital to carefully follow your veterinarian’s recommendations and to return to the veterinary hospital for any recheck appointments that are needed. A recurrence of the infection is possible if your dog’s treatment is interrupted. Even if your dog appears to be improving, it is essential that you complete the entire course of treatment for your dog. Failure to complete the entire course of treatment may result in complications such as resistant infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bottom Line<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ear infections are a frequent and often reoccurring condition in many dogs, but you can keep your dog’s ears clean and comfortable with the help of your veterinarian. If your dog is displaying symptoms of an ear infection, seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid the situation becoming more serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTreatment <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n