-----Ear Infections
River Road Veterinary Clinic
Box 309
Norwich, Vermont 05055
Phone: 802-649-3877 Fax: 802-649-1345
email: RRVC@Valley.net.com
www.rrvetclinic.com
Dr. Christine Pinello - Dr. JoAnne Giel - Dr. Kathy Ling Newcomb
EAR INFECTIONS
Your pet has been diagnosed with otitis (inflammation or infection of the ear due to bacteria, yeast or mites). Commonly there are underlying causes for ear infections, which, if not identified and treated, can make the ear disease difficult to resolve.
These underlying causes/diseases include:
1. Allergies: Allergies to pollen or food can predispose animals to recurrent or chronic ear infections. Although allergic animals often have other signs such as itchy skin, sometimes ear infections are the only symptom. A hypoallergenic diet trial or skin testing for pollen allergies can help diagnose these underlying diseases.
2. Hormonal disease: Hormonal diseases can suppress the immune system and make pets more likely to develop ear infections. Screening bloodwork may be necessary in some cases to diagnose these diseases.
3. Middle ear infection: This can occur when an ear infection becomes chronic and penetrates through the eardrum into the middle ear. Even if the outer ear infection is treated with topical medications, bacteria from the middle ear can continue to grow and reinfect the ear. Detailed examination of the ears under sedation and/or ear x-rays can identify this problem and allow us to determine a prognosis. Oral antibiotics or even surgery may be necessary to treat middle ear infection.
4. Abnormal ear conformation/hair: Some dogs have narrow ear canals or long ear flaps, or have hair growing in the canal. These situations can cause moisture and wax to build up in the ear canals, leading to infection. Prophylactic use of ear cleansers/drying agents is usually needed 1-2 times weekly to prevent infection.
5. Tumors/polyps: Masses in the ear canal such as tumors or polyps can block the canal, leading to infection and preventing topical medication from penetrating well. If growths are present, surgery may be needed to remove them.
6. Foreign objects in the ear: Dried clumps of wax, grass, or other objects can irritate the canal and act as a focus of infection.
Depending on the length of time the infection has been
present, tests such as bacterial cultures or ear x-rays may be needed
to determine prognosis and appropriate therapy. The key to successful
treatment of otitis is not only to use appropriate topical and oral
medications and cleansers, but to find and treat the underlying disease.
Ear exam results for ____________________. ______________________________________________________________________
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Ear swab cytology results: Bacteria Yeast Mites
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Cultures pending: Yes (we will call you with results when available). No
Potential underlying causes:
Allergy
Hormonal disease
Middle ear infection
Conformation
Ear canal tumor/polyp
Foreign object in the canal
Recommended further tests:
Allergy skin testing
Hypoallergenic diet trial
Ear x-rays
Blood panel
Biopsy
Comments: ______________________________________________________________________
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TREATMENT PLAN FOR YOUR PET:
Topical ear medication/cleaners:
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Ear cleaning instructions: Instill the cleaner
into the ear until overflowing, massage the canal for 30-60 seconds
to loosen debris, then use a dry cotton ball to remove cleaner and debris.
AVOID Q-tips-they will only pack material down in the canal. Once infection
is controlled, usually cleaning every 7-10 days is sufficient.
Other medications/recommendations:
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Recheck in _________ . Please call (802) 649-3877 if you have any questions or concerns.