 |  |
Health - Ear Problems
Ear disease is a common occurrence in Miniature Schnauzers.
It usually manifests as inflammation (redness), swelling, and pain in the external ear
canal (otitis externa). It is often quite painfull.
More serious ear diseases can involve the middle ear (otitis media) discussed later on below.
What causes Otitis Externa?
There are numerious causes raning from foreign objects in the ear canal to
allergies. It can also be caused by a specific infection with a mite called
otodectes cynotis. The presence of certain microorganisms such as bacteria,
fungi, and yease can contribute to the infection. Skin diseases often affect
the ear such as Seborrhea, Heredity, anatomy, moisture, trauma, etc. may
predispose to ear infections. A disease simular to human 'swimmer's ear'
can result in dogs from moisture retained in the ear.
How Can I tell If My Dog Has An Ear Infection?
Dogs with otitis externa often scratch excessively at the opening of the ear
canal and may shake their heads or rub their ears on the floor. The inside
of the ears may be red and often there is a foul smelling discharge.
Do not attempt to clean the narrow ear canal with cottom swabs, tipped
applicators, as this may push debris further down and block the passage.
Avoid harsh or irritating ear medication.
How Are Ear Diseases Diagnosed?
Your veterinarian can diagnose this condition from the history you provide
and by physican examination. Using an instrument called an otoscope,
the veterinarian can visualize the ear canal to determine the presence of
foreign objects, inflammation, mites, or any ohter abnormalities. Often
the exudate from the ear can tell your veterianarian the possible cause.
He or she may choose to perform a bacterial culture to identify the pathogenic
organism.
How Long Do Ear Infections Last?
Fortunately, ear infections are generally not life-threatening, although they
are painful to your pet. Most ear infections are very responsive to therapy.
Unfortunately, sometimes treatment requires long term therapy. Some
cases will respond rapidly, but return once treatment has ceased. Staff
infections are often one of the hardest to treat and usually require long term
therapy through the use of antibiotics and cleaners.
What Type Of Treatment Will My Veterinarian Recommend?
Following an examination, your veterinarian will often recommend an ear
cleanser. Cleansing must be done only as instructed by your veterinarian,
for inappropriate cleansing of the ear can cause significant harm. Cleansers
are used to remove excess moisture, waxy exudate, and foreign debris in
the external ear canal. Your veterianarian may choose to clean the ear
initially and will often ask you to continue using the ear cleaner. Follow
his or her instructions explicity. Once your veterinarian has determined the
cause of the problem he or she may prescribe medicatoin to control the cause
and will probably have you put medication into the ear to eliminate the
infection. Certain cases may require surgical intervention to rectify anatomical
defects.
What Should I Do If The Condition Reoccurs?
As some dogs are prone to recurring ear infections, conscientious cleansing
and treatment may be necessary. Should there be a recurrence, contact
your veterinarian. Be sure to follow your veterinarian's advice.
Use Cleansers Such As Epi-Otic(tm) As A Preventative Maintence.
Regular cleaning and use of cleansers such as Epi-Otic may help fight the
conditions which cause painful ear infections.
|
|
|