Home » Diseases » In dogs » Foreign Body in the Meatus Acusticus Externus (Foreign Body in the External Ear Canal)

Foreign Body in the Meatus Acusticus Externus (Foreign Body in the External Ear Canal) in Dogs

Occurrence: common
Location of disease: Head/Neck

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 17.02.2026

When to visit the vet?

Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days

If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.

Definition

A foreign body in the meatus acusticus externus in dogs refers to the presence of a non-native object in the external ear canal that can potentially lead to discomfort or health complications.

The most important facts at a glance

Foreign bodies in the external ear canal in dogs are often the result of their curious nature and the ear’s specific anatomyAnatomy is the scientific study of the structure of living things. It deals with the construction and organization of organisms, including their systems, organs, and tissues.. Dogs with long, drooping ears are particularly susceptible because these cover the ear canals and make it easier for foreign bodies such as plant seeds, grass awns, or small toy parts to enter. These objects can get into the ear canal through the dog’s normal behavior, such as exploring outdoors. Symptoms include Itching, inflammation, Head shaking, and Pain. 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 through a clinical examination using an otoscopeAn otoscope is a medical instrument used to examine the external auditory canal and the eardrum. Otoscopy is a standard procedure in veterinary medicine for the diagnosis of ear diseases in dogs and cats.. If necessary, sedationSedation refers to the state of calming or suppressing the central nervous system with medication, which reduces anxiety and irritability and sometimes induces a light sleep. is required to remove the foreign body without stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being.. Treatment primarily consists of removing the foreign body, thoroughly cleaning the ear canal, and, if needed, administering antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medication. 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. is usually good as long as there are no complications such as eardrum perforations. Long-term problems are rare but can occur if treatment is delayed. Preventive measures include avoiding high-risk areas, regular ear care, and avoiding cotton swabs to minimize risk. Research focuses on improving 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 methods as well as preventive measures to prevent foreign bodies from entering.

Causes

A dog’s external ear canal is an L-shaped channel that connects the ear to the eardrum. Its anatomyAnatomy is the scientific study of the structure of living things. It deals with the construction and organization of organisms, including their systems, organs, and tissues., characterized by a combination of cartilaginous and bony structures, makes it prone to foreign bodies entering. Dogs with long or drooping ears that partially cover the ear canal are particularly at risk, as foreign bodies may go unnoticed. Foreign bodies in the external ear canal can take various forms, including plant seeds, grass awns, soil, insects, or small toy parts. These objects can enter the ear canal either through the dog’s natural behavior—such as playing outdoors or rummaging in bushes—or be accidentally introduced by the owner during grooming. A common scenario is that dogs pick up plant material or small objects in the ear canal while exploring their surroundings. Dogs’ natural curiosity, combined with their tendency to push their heads through grass or brush, increases the likelihood of foreign bodies entering the ear canal. In addition, dogs can move foreign bodies deeper into the ear canal through Scratching or Head shaking.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

Dogs with a foreign body in the external ear canal often show clear signs of discomfort. The most common symptoms include intense Head shaking and Scratching the ear. This is a natural reaction of the dog to get rid of the irritating object.

In addition, the dog may show Pain when the affected ear is touched, and there may be a noticeable head tilt. In some cases, foul-smelling or purulentPurulent refers to pus or the production of pus, which may indicate a bacterial infection. Purulent inflammatory conditions are often painful and may have significant swelling and redness. Discharge from the ear occurs, indicating a secondary infectionA secondary infection occurs when an already weakened individual suffers an additional infection, often because the immune system is impaired by the primary infection. that can develop due to the foreign body.

Another common symptom is redness and Swelling of the ear canal, which may be visible on closer examination. The dog may also show signs of a disturbed sense of balance or decreased hearing ability on the affected side, especially if the foreign body is touching or damaging the eardrum.

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 a foreign body in the external ear canal is usually made through a thorough clinical examination. The veterinarian will examine the affected ear with an otoscopeAn otoscope is a medical instrument used to examine the external auditory canal and the eardrum. Otoscopy is a standard procedure in veterinary medicine for the diagnosis of ear diseases in dogs and cats. to visually inspect the ear canal and confirm the presence of a foreign body.

In some cases, it may be necessary to sedateTo sedate is the process of putting an animal in a state of calm or light sleep by administering sedatives, often to reduce stress or facilitate medical procedures. the dog to allow a more accurate examination and, if needed, removal of the foreign body without additional stressStress refers to the state of an organism reacting to external stimuli or demands. In veterinary medicine, stress can have physical or psychological effects on animals, impacting their health and well-being. or Pain for the animal. If a deeper 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. or an injury to the eardrum is suspected, additional diagnostic procedures such as X-rays or a CT scan may be required to assess the extent of the problem.

In addition to the visual inspection, the veterinarian may also perform an ear swab test to determine whether a bacterial or fungal 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. is present that may have been caused or worsened by the foreign body. This information is crucial for planning further treatment and preventing future complications.

Therapy

Treatment of a foreign body in the external ear canal begins with the removal of the object. This should be done by a veterinarian to avoid injury to the ear canal or eardrum. The veterinarian can use special instruments to carefully pull out the foreign body.

If the foreign body is lodged deep in the ear canal or removal is made difficult by Swelling or Pain, sedationSedation refers to the state of calming or suppressing the central nervous system with medication, which reduces anxiety and irritability and sometimes induces a light sleep. or anesthesiaAnesthesia refers to the state of insensitivity to pain and can be partial (local anesthesia) or for the entire body (general anesthesia). It is used to keep patients pain-free during surgical procedures. may be required to make the procedure as stress-free as possible for the dog. After the foreign body is removed, the ear canal is thoroughly cleaned to remove any remaining particles and promote healing.

If an 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. is diagnosed, the veterinarian will likely prescribe antibiotic or anti-inflammatory ear drops to treat the 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. and reduce inflammation. Systemic therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. with 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. antibiotics may also be necessary if the 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. is severe or has spread to surrounding tissues.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with a foreign body in the external ear canal is usually good, provided the foreign body is removed quickly and completely and no serious complications such as eardrum perforationA perforation is a rupture or hole in the wall of a hollow organ, such as the gastrointestinal tract or bladder, which can lead to the release of contents into the body and severe infection. Perforations are Emergencies that require rapid veterinary intervention in dogs and cats. or 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. infections occur. Most dogs recover fully once the irritating object has been removed and any infections have been treated.

Long-term complications are rare, but they can occur if treatment is delayed or the foreign body causes problems beyond a simple mechanical obstructionobstruction refers to the blockage or narrowing of a hollow organ or canal, which hinders the normal flow of liquids or gases. In dogs and cats, an obstruction can occur in the digestive tract, airways, or urinary tract and often requires immediate medical treatment.. In such cases, long-term follow-up may be needed to prevent recurring infections and monitor the health of the ear canal.

Prevention

PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of foreign bodies in the external ear canal in dogs mainly focuses on minimizing exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. to potential sources of danger. Dog owners should take care to keep their dogs away from areas where there is a high likelihood that foreign bodies such as grass, seeds, or small objects could get into the ears.

Regular ear care and checks by the owner can help detect early signs of foreign bodies. This includes routinely checking the ears after walks or outdoor play and gently cleaning the outer ear to remove dirt and buildup.

For dogs that are particularly prone to foreign bodies in the ear, such as those with long, drooping ears, it may be helpful to use special ear protectors or bandanas to protect the ears during walks. In addition, owners should be careful not to use cotton swabs or other pointed objects to clean the ears, as this increases the risk of pushing foreign bodies deeper into the ear canal.

Outlook on current research

Research on foreign bodies in the external ear canal in dogs currently focuses on several areas, including prevalence, risk factors, diagnostic techniques, and treatment methods. An important finding from recent studies is that certain dog breeds—especially those with long, drooping ears, such as Cocker Spaniels or Basset Hounds—are more prone to foreign bodies in the ear canal. These anatomical features promote the entry of foreign bodies such as grass awns or small twigs. Researchers are also investigating the role of environmental factors and how they influence the risk of foreign bodies entering the ear canal.

Another focus of research is the development and refinement of diagnostic techniques. OtoscopyOtoscopy is an examination of the ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope. It is performed to diagnose ear conditions, such as infections or foreign bodies. is currently used as the standard method for detecting foreign bodies in the ear canal, but there are efforts to optimize imaging procedures such as endoscopyEndoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses an endoscope (a thin, flexible tube with a light source and a camera at the end) to examine and visualize the inside of the body, often for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. or high-resolution imaging technologies. These methods can enable more precise visualization and assessment of ear canal anatomyAnatomy is the scientific study of the structure of living things. It deals with the construction and organization of organisms, including their systems, organs, and tissues., which could lead to faster and more 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..

With regard to treatment, there is intensive work on improved extraction methods. Manual removal is often the first step, but in complicated cases, surgery may be required. Researchers are exploring minimally invasiveInvasive describes medical procedures or pathogens that enter the body or penetrate tissue. In medicine, invasive procedures can range from minimally invasive techniques to open surgery. techniques to minimize traumaA trauma refers to a physical injury or damage caused by external force. Traumas can range from simple cuts to severe multiple injuries. for the dog and shorten recovery time. There are also studies on the use of laser and ultrasoundUltrasound refers to sound waves that are above the hearing threshold of the human ear. In medicine, ultrasound is used for diagnostic imaging procedures to visualize internal organs, tissues, and blood flow. instruments, which could make it easier to remove smaller or harder-to-reach foreign bodies.

Follow-up care is also increasingly recognized as an important field of research. Preventing infections or inflammatory reactions after removal of a foreign body is crucial for the dog’s full recovery. Studies are examining the use of antiseptic rinses and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce complications and promote healing.

In the long term, research aims to develop preventive measures to reduce the risk of foreign body penetrationPenetration describes the entry or permeation of a substance or organism into a body or material. In medicine, it can refer to the penetration of microorganisms into tissues or the insertion of instruments into the body.. These include special protective devices for the ears of dogs that could make it more difficult for foreign bodies to penetrate, as well as the development of care protocols that minimize the risk. By combining these approaches, scientists hope to significantly reduce the frequency and impact of foreign bodies in the ear canal of dogs.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are common causes of foreign bodies in the external ear canal in dogs?

Common causes include blades of grass, small branches, seeds, insects, or other small objects that can enter the ear canal while playing outdoors or during walks. -

What symptoms indicate that my dog has a foreign body in its ear?

Symptoms may include sudden head shaking, Scratching the ear, Head tilted to one side, Restlessness, and sometimes an unpleasant odor or Discharge from the affected ear. -

How is a foreign body in the external ear canal diagnosed?

A veterinarian will usually perform an otoscopy to inspect the ear canal. In some cases, additional imaging procedures such as X-rays or endoscopy may be required to locate the foreign body. -

Can I try to remove the foreign body myself?

It is not recommended to remove the foreign body yourself, as this carries the risk of pushing it deeper into the ear canal or injuring the ear. A veterinarian should perform the removal. -

What happens if the foreign body is not removed?

If a foreign body is not removed, it can lead to infections, Inflammatory conditions, Pain, and in severe cases, permanent damage to the ear canal or eardrum. -

What treatment options are available for a foreign body in the ear canal?

Treatment usually involves manual removal of the foreign body by a veterinarian. In complicated cases, surgery may be required to safely remove the foreign body. -

How can I prevent my dog from getting a foreign body in its ear?

Regular checking and cleaning of the ears, wearing protective devices when walking in densely vegetated areas, and avoiding grassy areas with high foreign body potential can help minimize the risk. -

Are certain dog breeds more prone to foreign bodies in the ear canal?

Yes, breeds with long, drooping ears, such as Cocker Spaniels and Basset Hounds, are more prone because their ears partially cover the ear canal, making it easier for foreign bodies to enter. -

How long does recovery take after removing a foreign body from the ear canal?

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the case. In uncomplicated cases, the dog often recovers within a few days. In complicated cases requiring surgery, recovery may take longer. -

When should I see a veterinarian if I suspect my dog has a foreign body in its ear?

You should see a veterinarian as soon as possible if you notice signs that your dog might have a foreign body in its ear. Rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid complications.