Ears diseases

Ear infections are common in dogs, particularly breeds with hanging ears, such as Beagles, and dogs with narrow ear canals, such as Cocker Spaniels. Other predisposing factors include allergies, ear parasites, and hypothyroidism.
Deafness in dogs can be either acquired or congenital. Predisposing factors for acquired deafness include chronic infection, use of certain drugs, and most commonly, age-related changes in the cochlea. Congenital deafness can be genetic, seen sometimes in dogs with merle or white coats, or caused by in utero damage from infections or toxins.
Fly strike dermatitis occurs at the tip and folds of the ear in dogs. It is caused by bites of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans.

Ear Infections

Ear mites Also called ear mange, ear mites (otodectes cynotis) are tiny crab-like parasites that live in the ear canals, and sometimes on the body, of dogs. They feed on earwax and other secretions in the ear canal. Ear mites do not usually bite, but they can cause a bacterial infection or severe inflammation in your dog's ears.

SymptomsIf your dog is suffering from ear mites, you may find he excessively shakes or tilts his head; or rubs and scratches his ears. You may also notice hair loss around his ears or odour emanating from within his ear canal. To check for ear mites, look inside your dog's ears for a thick, dark brown substance. Mites can sometimes be seen as small, white moving dots.
Prevention and TreatmentEar mites are very common, and very contagious, so it is best to keep your dog away from other dogs — or any furry animal — that suffers from them. If your dog exhibits any of the symptoms listed above, take him to the veterinarian. Ear mites can be persistent, but they are easy to diagnose and you can treat your dog at home. Your veterinarian will clean out your dog's ears and prescribe anti-mite eardrops. It usually takes four-to-six weeks of treatment to effectively eliminate the mites.

Infections Ear infections are common in dogs — especially dogs with floppy ears — and can be caused by the following factors:

Trapped foreign bodies, especially the seed pods of common weeds.
Use of ear drops or cleansers that irritate the ears.
Health problems such as hormonal imbalance, allergies and food intolerance.
High humidity and swimming, which can leave your dog's ears moist and create a breeding ground for yeast and bacteria.

If your dog has an ear infection, he may scratch at his ears or shake his head. You may also find that he has debris or unpleasant-smelling discharge in his ear canal or on his ear flaps, or that his ears are red and hot.

Keep your dog's ears dry, and check and clean them once per week. Ask your vet to show you how. If you think your dog may have an ear infection, take him to the vet as soon as possible. Ear infections in dogs are painful, and if left untreated they can spread to the middle and inner ear and cause serious damage. Depending on the seriousness of the infection, your vet will either prescribe antibiotics or simply clean the ear out with solutions.

Aural HematomaIf your dog shakes his head and ears excessively, due to a problem on the inside, he may develop a hematoma. A hematoma is the result of a blood vessel breaking in the ear flap.

SymptomsIf your dog develops a hematoma, his ear flap will swell noticeably and feel hot to the touch.
Prevention and TreatmentA hematoma is painful and although it will heal on its own, it is wise to take your dog to the vet. Your vet can lance the area to relieve the pressure and let the healing begin. The surgery may also prevent ridging and scarring on the ear flap, which may result if you let the hematoma heal on its own. Ear problems, especially infections, in dogs can be hard to eradicate — but usually because people are not good at following the treatment procedure. Sometimes ear infections require several visits to the vet, and a change of medication. It is very important to ensure that you follow your vet's recommendations, and continue to bring your dog in for check-ups until the problem is completely resolved.