Ear Problems
Canine Conditions and Responses Home
Dogs with canine atopy and food
hypersensitivity dermatitis are
predisposed to develop inflamed ears. In fact, ear involvement may be
the only indication of an allergy. In dogs with ear allergies, an
itch-scratch-itch cycle develops resulting in excoriations, hair loss,
scabs and crusts about the ears. The ear canals are filled with a brown
wax.
An allergic contact dermatitis can develop in ear canals that have been
medicated with an ear preparation.
Otitis media (Middle Ear Infection)
Otitis media is an infection of the eardrum and the cavity of the middle
ear, including the three bony ossicles. Most cases are caused by outer
ear infection that involves the eardrum and then progresses to the
middle ear. In fact, about 50 percent of cases of chronic external
otitis are associated with otitis media. Bacteria can also gain entrance
to the middle ear through the opening of the auditory tube that connects
the middle ear to the nasopharynx. Occasionally, the infection is blood
borne.
The early signs of otitis media are the same as those of external otitis.
However, as the middle ear becomes infected the pain increases
dramatically. The dog often tilts his head down on the affected side,
holds it as still as possible, and exhibits increased pain sensitivity
when the head is touched or the mouth is opened. Hearing can be
affected, but the loss may not be noticed unless both ears are involved.
An otoscopic examination performed after the dog has been sedated or
anesthetized reveals a bulging eardrum. If the drum is ruptured, pus may
be seen draining from the middle ear. X-rays occasionally show fluid or
inflammatory tissue in the middle ear cavity.
Canine Bowen Technique and the treatment of
Ear Problems
The Canine Bowen Technique has a wonderful procedure to support those ear conditions which need
encouragement to drain
a build-up of wax or infection. Along with gentle muscle release procedures this work supports
vetenary care used as it is
vital to eliminate ear infection quickly to help avoid any permanent damage.
