This diagnosis is quite part because of the structure of the auricle of the animal. The cause of otitis in dogs can be a variety of factors, so the first thing to go to the veterinarian and take a survey.
Otitis in the dog: symptoms
Recognize ear inflammation is not so difficult. You will notice the reaction of the animal when the ear contacts the objects or when stroking. Often there is secretion of secrets: it can be a liquid of grayish color, pus or even blood.
When otitis in a dog, it is not uncommon for the symptoms when the dog starts shaking its head or tilting it, pressing the ears. The veterinarian will see the redness of the external passage when viewed. If the inflammation is in the advanced stage, then there are enlarged submandibular lymph nodes.
Otitis in a dog: what to treat?
The first thing a dog owner should know is the danger of self-treatment. Quite often people turn to the Internet and various resources for help and advice. If you find a forum describing the treatment of otitis in dogs, pay attention, but do not take it as a guide to action. You must understand that the health of your pet largely depends on your responsibility. Now more in detail about the methods of treatment.
The first thing a veterinarian must do is to take samples for research. Next, using the funnel determines the type and number of ear secretions. After this, a diagnosis is made according to the following classification:
- primary external (when there are no other diseases);
- secondary external (inflammation as an integral part of the underlying skin disease);
- idiopathic external.
In each case, the ear canal should be rinsed first. If there is a crust, they are removed with a 2% solution of salicyl-tannin alcohol, then washed with a syringe pass. All foreign bodies are carefully removed through the auricle by forceps for ear polyps. In other words, by all means it is necessary to ensure foreseeability of the auditory canal.
Further, before treating otitis in a dog, it is necessary to determine its etiology. It is characterized primarily by the state of the epidermis, the properties of the secretion and the causative agent of inflammation.
- Allergic otitis in dogs can be hereditary. Allergies to certain foods, plants or any other factors. All this leads to skin itching, irritation. Gradually, purulent discharge appears, bacterial growth is observed. First of all, prescribe a hypoallergenic diet, which will have to adhere to at least three months. Local preparations are also used to relieve inflammation and eliminate itching.
- Purulent otitis in a dog is characterized by an oily and foul-smelling secret from the ear. If not treated in time, the dog will begin ulcerative processes and perforation of the tympanic membrane. For treatment use solutions of hydrogen peroxide, acetic acid or chlorhexidine. Further in a current of two-three weeks at such otitis at dogs it is necessary to apply antibiotics . Assign Otosporin or Gentaseptin.
- Fungal otitis in dogs is more common than others. Bacteria and fungi are present in the body of the animal constantly, but under certain circumstances they can quite provoke inflammatory processes. The ear passage is treated with phosphoric acid esters. In the early stages, Gaselan 2% is used.
- Sometimes dogs have seasonal otitis. In certain periods, earwax production sharply increases, after which crusts and plugs are formed. In a consequence, a bacterial infection may develop. Here, funds like Otifree and drops with antibiotics of local action will help.