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Ear Margin Dermatosis (Ear Edge Ulcer) in Dogs

Occurrence: rarer
Location of illness: Head/Neck

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

Ear margin dermatosis, also known as ear edge ulcerAn ulcer is an open wound or erosion of the skin or mucous membrane that often heals poorly and can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections and chronic inflammatory conditions., is a chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. skin condition in dogs characterized by lesions and ulcers on the ear edges. It mainly affects breeds with long, drooping ears.

The most important facts at a glance

Ear margin dermatosis, also known as ear edge ulcer, is a skin condition in dogs characterized by inflammatory conditions and ulcerationAn ulceration is an open wound or sore, typically on the skin or mucous membranes, characterized by the loss of surface tissue. Ulcerations in dogs and cats can be caused by infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or cancer. of the ear margins. It commonly occurs in breeds with long, drooping ears such as Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds. This anatomical feature can lead to poor ventilation and increase the risk of skin irritation. Genetic, environmental, and immunological factors play a role in its development. An overreaction of the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. to harmless stimuli can cause inflammatory conditions, which can be triggered by allergies or autoimmune diseasesAutoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells or tissues as if they were foreign substances. Examples in dogs and cats include autoimmune hemolytic anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus.. Moisture and dirt can worsen the condition, as they promote the growth of bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. and fungi and can lead to secondary infections.

Symptoms include hair loss, crusts, scales, and oozing wounds on the ear margin, as well as itching and redness. DiagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is made by clinical examination and possibly by skin samples or blood tests. Treatment consists of anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain., antibiotics or antifungals, and regular ear cleaning. The prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop. varies but can be improved with appropriate measures. PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. focuses on good ear hygiene and minimizing risk factors. Research is being conducted to better understand genetic predispositions and the role of the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body., and new treatment methods are being explored. The collaboration of veterinarians, geneticists, and immunologists is crucial for the development of effective treatment strategies.

Causes

Ear margin dermatosis is a condition caused by a combination of genetic, environmental, and immunological factors. Breeds that are particularly susceptible are those with long, drooping ears, such as Cocker Spaniels, Beagles, and Basset Hounds. This anatomical feature can lead to poor ventilation of the ears, which increases the risk of skin irritation and infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..

Another important factor is the dog’s immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body.. In some dogs, an overreaction of the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. to harmless environmental stimuli can lead to inflammatory conditions and skin damage. This reaction can be triggered by allergies, autoimmune diseasesAutoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own cells or tissues as if they were foreign substances. Examples in dogs and cats include autoimmune hemolytic anemia and systemic lupus erythematosus., or other immunological disorders. However, the exact pathophysiologyPathophysiology deals with the changes in physiological processes caused by diseases or injuries. It examines how these changes lead to the symptoms and signs of a disease. is complex and not fully understood.

In addition, external factors such as moisture and dirt can worsen the condition. Dogs that frequently play in water or live in moist environments are more susceptible to ear margin dermatosis, as moisture promotes the growth of bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. and fungi, which can lead to secondary infections.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Bleeding from Pinna

Rare symptoms:

Peripheral Ear Necrosis

The symptoms of ear margin dermatosis are primarily visible on the ear margins. Affected dogs often show redness, swelling, and crusts on the ear edges. These lesions can be painful and cause intense itching, which leads to the dogs frequently scratching or shaking their ears.

Another common symptom is an unpleasant odor caused by secondary infections with bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. or yeasts. In some cases, hair loss may also occur in the affected areas. In more severe cases, the lesions can develop into deeper ulcers that may bleed or ooze.

In chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. cases, the skin on the ear margins can thicken and harden, which can lead to a permanent change in the ear shape. These changes are often the result of repeated inflammatory conditions and scar tissue formation.

Diagnosis

The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of ear margin dermatosis usually begins with a thorough clinical examination by a veterinarian, who carefully inspects the dog’s ears. The extent of the lesions and possible signs of secondary infections are assessed.

In addition to the physical examination, the veterinarian may take skin samples from the affected areas for microscopic examination. These samples help confirm the presence of bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease., fungi, or parasites that may be exacerbating the symptoms.

If an allergic or immunological cause is suspected, blood tests or allergy tests may be performed. These tests help identify potential triggers and determine the appropriate treatment strategy.

Therapy

Treatment of ear margin dermatosis requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and the underlying causes. Anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain., such as corticosteroidsCorticosteroids are a class of steroid hormones that occur naturally in the body and can also be produced synthetically. They have anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties and are used in veterinary medicine to treat a variety of conditions., can be administered to relieve itching and inflammation. However, these medications should only be used under veterinary supervision, as they can have side effects with long-term use.

Antibiotics or antifungals may be required to treat secondary infections. These medications should be selected based on the results of culture tests to ensure that they are effective against the specific pathogens.

Regular cleaning of the ears with appropriate ear cleaners can help remove excess dirt and moisture and reduce the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. In some dogs, it may also be helpful to adjust the diet, especially if food allergies are suspected.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with ear margin dermatosis depends on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of the treatment. In many cases, the condition can be well controlled with appropriate measures, even if it often requires a lifelong management strategy.

Dogs in whom the underlying causes can be identified and treated have a better prognosisThe prognosis is the prediction of the likely course and outcome of a disease based on the general state of health, the nature of the disease, and the response to treatment. It can provide information on how a disease is expected to develop.. In such dogs, the symptoms can be significantly reduced or even completely eliminated.

However, in severe or untreated cases, ear margin dermatosis can lead to permanent changes in the ear structure and chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. discomfort, which can impair the dog’s quality of life.

Prevention

PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of ear margin dermatosis focuses on minimizing risk factors and promoting good ear hygiene. Regular inspection and cleaning of the ears can help reduce the risk of infections and irritations.

Owners of breeds with long, drooping ears should pay particular attention to signs of ear problems and seek veterinary advice early if symptoms occur. A balanced diet and avoiding known allergens can also help reduce the risk of developing the disease.

In some cases, it may be helpful to protect the ears in moist environments or when bathing to avoid excessive moisture. The use of ear drying agents can also be useful, especially in dogs that swim frequently.

Through a combination of good care, regular veterinary monitoring, and targeted treatment, many dogs with ear margin dermatosis can lead a comfortable and largely symptom-free life.

Outlook on current research

Ear margin dermatosis, also known as ear edge ulcer, is a relatively rare skin condition in dogs characterized by chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. inflammatory conditions and ulcerationAn ulceration is an open wound or sore, typically on the skin or mucous membranes, characterized by the loss of surface tissue. Ulcerations in dogs and cats can be caused by infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, or cancer. of the ear margins. The exact cause of this condition is not yet fully understood, but it is believed that both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Current research places particular emphasis on the genetic predispositionA predisposition is an innate inclination or susceptibility of an organism to certain diseases or conditions. In dogs and cats, there may be a genetic predisposition to certain conditions such as hip dysplasia or certain heart diseases. of certain dog breeds, especially those with long, drooping ears, such as Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds. Researchers are trying to identify genetic markers that may be associated with an increased susceptibility to this disease.

Another important area of research is the investigation of the role of the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. in the development of ear margin dermatosis. There is evidence that an overreaction of the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. to harmless environmental factors or an autoimmune component may be involved in the development of the disease. Researchers are investigating whether certain immunomodulatorsImmunomodulators are substances that affect the immune system by increasing or decreasing its activity. They are used in dogs and cats to treat autoimmune diseases, allergies, or as cancer therapy. or anti-inflammatory drugsAnti-inflammatory drugs are medications that reduce inflammation. They can be divided into nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids and are used in dogs and cats to reduce Inflammatory conditions and Pain. could be effective in alleviating the symptoms and slowing the progressionProgression refers to the advancement or worsening of a disease over time. It describes an increase in the severity or extent of the disease symptoms. of the disease.

The role of environmental factors is also being intensively researched. It is believed that external factors such as moisture, temperature, and the presence of allergens may have an influence on the occurrence and severity of ear margin dermatosis. Studies are investigating whether changes in the care and management of affected dogs, for example by adjusting the diet or avoiding certain environmental conditions, can improve the symptoms.

New treatment methods that are currently being investigated include both topicalTopical refers to the direct application of medications or treatments to the skin or mucous membranes for a local effect, without being absorbed into the body. and systemic therapies. TopicalTopical refers to the direct application of medications or treatments to the skin or mucous membranes for a local effect, without being absorbed into the body. treatments focus on the direct application of ointments or creams containing anti-inflammatory or healing-promoting agents. Systemic therapies, on the other hand, could include oralOral means "through the mouth" and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. medications that regulate the immune systemThe immune system is the body's defense system against infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. It comprises a complex network of organs, cells, and molecules that work together to protect the body. or support the healing of the affected skin areas. The current state of research aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of these new treatment methods.

A promising approach is also regenerative medicine, in which researchers are investigating how stem cells and other biological materials can be used to promote the healing and regeneration of damaged ear margins. This research is still in its early stages, but shows promising results in initialInitial means beginning or at the start. In medicine, it can refer to the first symptoms of a disease or the first phase of a treatment process. laboratory studies and animal experiments.

Overall, research into ear margin dermatosis in dogs is a dynamic and growing field. The continuous collaboration between veterinarians, geneticists, and immunologists is crucial to gain a better understanding of this complex disease and to develop more effective treatment strategies. Advances in genetic research and immunology could lead to significant breakthroughs in the near future, which could not only improve the quality of life of affected dogs, but also provide new insights into similar dermatological diseases in other animal species and possibly also in humans.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is ear margin dermatosis in dogs? Ear margin dermatosis is a skin condition that primarily affects the margins of the ears of dogs. It leads to inflammatory conditions, ulcers, and sometimes bleeding on the ear margins.
Which dogs are most commonly affected? Dogs with long, drooping ears, such as Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds, are more commonly affected. Genetic factors may also play a role.
What are the symptoms of ear margin dermatosis? Symptoms include redness, swelling, ulcers, and crusts on the ear margins. Sometimes there is also itching or pain.
How is the disease diagnosed? The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is usually made by a clinical examination by a veterinarian who inspects the affected ears. In some cases, skin biopsies or blood tests may be necessary.
What treatment options are there? Treatment often involves the application of topical ointments or creams containing anti-inflammatory or healing-promoting agents. In severe cases, systemic medications may be necessary.
Can ear margin dermatosis be prevented? Complete preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. is difficult, but regular care of the ears, such as cleaning and checking for signs of inflammatory conditions, can help reduce the risk.
Is ear margin dermatosis contagiousContagious means infectious. Diseases that can easily be transmitted from one animal to another or from animals to humans are referred to as contagious.? No, ear margin dermatosis is not contagiousContagious means infectious. Diseases that can easily be transmitted from one animal to another or from animals to humans are referred to as contagious.. It is a condition caused by internal factors and not by infections.
How long does healing take? The healing time can vary. With early and appropriate treatment, the symptoms can subside within weeks, but in some cases the condition can become chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time..
Are there long-term effects? In chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. cases, permanent damage to the ear margins can occur. Regular veterinary care is important to avoid complications.
What should I do if I notice signs of ear margin dermatosis in my dog? If you notice symptoms, you should see a veterinarian as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment.