Ear problems are common in pets. While some dogs may suffer from ear injury or deafness, other dogs may develop skin conditions like an ear infection. Pet owners should practice preventive measures to ensure the ear problem doesn’t escalate into something severe. Regular checkups and ear cleansing by qualified animal medical center Virginia Beach VA can play a crucial role in identifying ear problems and treating them in time.
Ear problems like injury or infection can cause redness, itching, pain, and discharge. Most dogs shake their heads or title to the side to find relief from pain or discomfort. If your pet is scratching his ears excessively or shaking his head, you should check for any signs of injuries or infection. If you suspect a possible ear problem, contact your vet immediately.
In this blog, we have compiled some common reasons that could be causing ear problems in your pets.
Ear Infections
In dogs, an ear infection is one of the most common causes of discomfort. Dogs with long ears are more susceptible to ear infections. In medical terms, an ear infection is called otitis externa, which also means inflammation of the ear.
Bacterial or fungal overgrowth can cause infection in the ear. In most cases, underlying ear conditions like irritation or allergies can result in infection. Signs of otitis externa include foul odor, redness in the inner ear, excess discharge, scratching, and head shaking.
If left untreated or unchecked for long, an ear infection can permanently damage the tissues and deafness. If you any signs of ear infection in your dog, you must take them to the clinic for pet care Virginia Beach.
Aural Hematoma
An aural hematoma is a medical condition in which blood-filled pockets form on the pinna (ear flap). When the blood vessels in the pinna burst, they can bleed and accumulate in the pinna’s skin, leading to aural hematoma. Excessive head shaking, regressive scratching of the ear, or ear injuries can cause the blood vessels to rupture. It’s easier to check aural hematoma in dogs. The area affected with hematoma is usually soft, warm, and filled with liquid. Some dogs feel pain in the affected area, while others don’t. The veterinarians treat hematoma by draining the affected area and medication for the pain. If the condition is severe, the vet may suggest surgery also.
Ear Mites
Ear mites are tiny parasites that live off on the blood of their hosts. Ear mites are contagious and can spread from one animal to another. Luckily, ear mites can’t infect humans. Even a couple of ear mites can cause inflammation and itching in dogs. Ear mites’ bites can soon become red and turn into a further ear infection.
Vets diagnose ear mites with an ear swab test. They study the swab under the microscope to determine the presence of mites. Topical medications are commonly prescribed to eliminate the mites from the ear. If you have pets at home, you must get them checked for ear mites to prevent its spread.