It’s not uncommon for bird dogs to get an ear infection in fact it’s a result of the size and depth of their ears. Because hunting dogs (gun dogs) spend so much time outdoors and have large, floppy ears, they are actually more prone to getting an ear infection. Infections in the ear are a result of yeast or bacteria which can grow in your dogs’ ear and eventually may wind up in the ear canal.
Symptoms of Otitis
Not only are ear infections painful, in extreme cases they may actually lead to your dog becoming deaf. There are some symptoms that you can be on the lookout for – some are basic behaviors of dogs that have ear infections while others are clinical symptoms. You should be aware if:
Discharge from the ears, usually yellow or green in color
Foul smell to the ear
Excessive scratching or head shaking
These symptoms can worsen and the infection may become more severe. The deeper the infection goes into the dog’s ears, the worse it will get as it affects the inner ear. This will affect your dog’s balance and ability to hear. The advanced symptoms may include:
Disorientation
Falling down or an awkward “drunken” gate
Loss of hearing
Unusual eye movements or “crazy eye”
As soon as you’ve noticed something wrong, take your dog to a veterinarian. The faster you treat the infection, the easier it will be to care for it and the less it will cost you in money and your dog in pain.
The diagnostic process for dogs ear infections are similar to those that are performed on our children, a scope is used to visually check the ear, a sample is taken with swab and the diagnosis is made. As a side note, please be aware that your dog may exhibit similar symptoms if they have ear mites.
Treating Ostitis
The usually course of treatment is medication. Hydrogen peroxide saturated in the ear on a regular basis may be prescribe; otherwise, special medication may be suggested for more serious states of infection. To diminish the effects of infection, antibiotics may also be used. Your vet will thoroughly clean your dog’s ears, then you’ll take him and administer medications at home.
When you give the medication, which is usually squirted or poured into the dog’s ear, you will have to hold the dog down or have someone help you. Obviously, the dog won’t like this, but it needs to be done.
Because dogs cannot become immune to ear infections, you should watch carefully for the signs, even if you believe he is cured. Early action requires early detection, and makes the infection easier to handle.
Posted under dog health
This post was written by admin on January 28, 2009
