Chronic otitis in Dogs
When to visit the vet?
Non-urgent see a veterinarian within 2–3 days
If the condition worsens / symptoms persist, consult a veterinarian.
Unsure about what’s wrong with your pet? Feel free to use our Symptom Checker for more clarity
Definition of
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. ear 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 dogs is a long-lasting or recurring 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 one or both ears, which can be caused by various factors and often requires comprehensive 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.
Can Occur with the Following Diseases:
Grundlagen und mögliche Ursachen
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. ear infections in dogs are a common health problem and can be caused by a variety of factors. A dog’s ears, especially the ear canals, are prone to inflammatory conditions because they are warm and moist, which creates ideal conditions for 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. Dogs with floppy ears or heavily haired ear canals are particularly at risk, as these features can impair ear ventilation.
The most common causes of 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. ear infections are allergies, both environmental and food allergies. These allergies lead to inflammation of the skin, which promotes the occurrence of secondary infections in the ear. Parasites such as ear mites can also be a cause, especially in young dogs or those who have a lot of contact with other animals.
Another cause can be a hormonal disorder, such as hypothyroidism, which leads to increased earwax production and thus a favorable breeding ground for microorganisms. Anatomical abnormalities, foreign bodies in the ear, or tumors can also promote 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.
Typische Begleitsymptome
- Itching: Dogs with an ear 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. often scratch their ears or rub their head on furniture or the floor. This is a sign that the dog’s ears are itching or in pain.
- Redness and swelling: An inflamed ear often shows a distinct redness and may be swollen. This is a clear sign of inflammation in the ear.
- Discharge from the ear: With 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., a foul-smelling, often brown or yellowish discharge may come out of the ear. This indicates 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..
- Odor: An unpleasant odor from the ear is a common sign 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.. Especially yeasts can cause a strong odor.
- Hearing loss: In a severe or long-lasting 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., there may be temporary or permanent hearing loss.
- Head tilt: Dogs with severe pain or balance problems due to an ear 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. sometimes hold their head tilted to relieve pressure and pain.
- Behavioral changes: Due to pain or discomfort, affected dogs may appear irritable or lethargic.
Wann zum Tierarzt?
A visit to the veterinarian is essential if you notice one or more of the above symptoms in your dog. An immediate visit is especially important if your dog shows signs of pain, such as persistentPersistent means lasting or continuing for an extended period. In veterinary medicine, it can refer to chronic diseases or symptoms that do not subside. scratching or head shaking, or if his behavior changes drastically.
If the dog shows signs of balance problems, such as tilting of the head, or hearing loss, a veterinarian should also be consulted as soon as possible. These symptoms may indicate a more severe 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. affecting the inner ear.
Also, if there is a foul-smelling discharge or severely reddened and swollen ears, a veterinary examination is necessary to diagnose the cause of the inflammation and initiate appropriate treatment.
Symptomerkennung für den Tierhalter und tierärztliches diagnostisches Vorgehen
The detection of ear infections by the pet owner often begins with the observation of the above-mentioned symptoms. A thorough inspection of the external ear canal can provide clues to inflammation. However, the pet owner should be careful not to look or manipulate deep into the ear canal to avoid causing additional damage.
The veterinarian will usually perform a comprehensive examination, which includes viewing the external and internal ear canal 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.. This helps to detect foreign bodies, tumors, or signs of parasites. In addition, swabs can be taken and examined under the microscope to determine whether 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., yeasts, or mites are present.
In some cases, cytologycytology is the study of cells, their structure, function, and chemistry. In medicine, it often refers to examining cells under a microscope for diagnosis of diseases. or culture may be required to identify the exact pathogens. If an allergic cause is suspected, allergyAn allergy is an overreaction of the immune system to a normally harmless substance, the allergen. The reaction can include symptoms such as skin rash, itching, sneezing, respiratory distress, or in severe cases, anaphylactic shock. tests or an eliminationElimination refers to the process by which waste products and toxins are removed from the body. This includes excretion via the kidneys (urine), intestines (stool), lungs (breath), and skin. diet can be considered. If hormonal problems, such as hypothyroidism, are suspected, blood tests are necessary.
Was kann der Tierhalter tun und professionelle Therapieoptionen
Until the vet visit, pet owners can take some measures to increase their dog’s comfort. Avoid scratching ears by putting a neck brace on your dog to prevent further injury.
It is important not to clean the ears yourself or use medication without veterinary instructions, as this can worsen the situation. The use of home remedies is not recommended as they often only mask or worsen the problem.
Make sure your dog has access to fresh, clean water and monitor his food intake, as loss of appetite can be a sign of discomfort. Make sure the dog stays in a quiet environment to minimize 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., which could worsen symptoms.
After 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. by the veterinarian, it is important to follow the prescribed treatment exactly. This may include the use of ear cleaners, antibiotics, or antifungals. Regular check-ups are necessary to monitor the healing process and ensure that 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. has completely subsided.
Ausblick auf aktuelle Forschung
Research on 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. ear 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 dogs focuses on various aspects, including identifying the underlying causes, improving diagnostic procedures, and developing new treatment approaches. One of the research areas examines the microbiota in the ear to better understand how the balance of microorganisms plays a role 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. infections. Scientists analyze the diversity 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 in the ear canal to identify specific pathogenic organisms that predominate 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. infections. These findings could lead to more targeted treatments.
Another significant area of research is the development of new diagnostic tools. Traditionally, diagnoses are based on clinical symptoms and microscopic examinations of smears. New technologies, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and massIn pathology, the term "mass" is used to describe an abnormal lump or growth in the body. A mass can form in the skin or subcutaneous tissue, or even inside the body. The causes can be benign (not cancer) or malignant (cancer). spectrometry, are being explored to enable faster and more accurate identification of pathogens. These methods could shorten the time to 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 improve the selectionSelection refers to the process of natural or artificial selection of specific individuals for reproduction, based on desired genetic traits. In breeding, this is applied to promote specific characteristics in dogs and cats. of the right treatment.
Regarding treatment, scientists are exploring new antibiotic and antifungalAntifungal means effective against fungal infections. Antifungal medications are used to treat infections caused by fungi by inhibiting their growth or reproduction, or by killing them. medications to overcome resistanceResistance refers to the ability of microorganisms to withstand the effects of antibiotics, antifungals, or other antimicrobial drugs. Resistance can also refer to the body's ability to be insensitive to diseases or toxins. to conventional treatments. The development of vaccines against common pathogens such as Malassezia fungi is also being investigated. In addition, there are advances in the development of ear rinses and cleaners that not only facilitate cleaning but also contain healing-promoting substances.
Finally, some studies are exploring 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 to 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. ear infections. It is believed that genetic factors could influence susceptibility to 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., which could lead to personalized preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. strategies. The collaboration of geneticists and veterinarians is creating new opportunities to develop preventive measures for particularly vulnerable breeds.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
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What are common signs of 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. ear 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 dogs? Common signs include constant scratching or rubbing of the ears, head shaking, an unpleasant odor from the ears, redness or swelling, and the presence of discharge. Dogs may also show pain when their ears are touched.
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How does 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. ear 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. differ from an acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. one? 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. ear 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 one that persists over a long period of time or is recurrentRecurrent refers to a disease that repeatedly returns or worsens after a temporary remission or improvement.. In contrast, an acuteAcute refers to a condition that occurs suddenly and is usually of short duration. In a medical context, it describes symptoms or illnesses that can quickly become serious and require immediate attention. ear 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. occurs suddenly and usually lasts only a few weeks before subsiding with proper treatment.
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Can 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. ear infections in dogs be cured? While 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. ear infections cannot always be completely cured, they can often be effectively managed. Early 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 appropriate treatment are crucial to minimize complications and ensure the dog’s comfort.
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What factors can increase the risk for 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. ear infections? Factors that can increase the risk include anatomical features (such as long, drooping ears), allergic reactions, endocrine disorders, foreign bodies in the ear, excessive moisture, and inadequate ear hygiene.
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How 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. ear 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. 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. usually begins with a thorough clinical examination, followed by the collection of ear swabs for microscopic examination. In some cases, cultures or imaging procedures may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.
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Can I clean my dog’s ears myself to avoid infections? Yes, regular cleaning can help prevent infections, but it should be done with caution. Use only cleaning agents and techniques recommended by your veterinarian. Improper cleaning can make the problem worse.
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What treatments are available for 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. ear infections? Treatment may include the use of 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. antibiotics, antifungals, 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.. In more severe cases, 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 or surgical procedures may be necessary to resolve the problem.
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Are certain dog breeds more prone to 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. ear infections? Yes, certain breeds such as Cocker Spaniels, Golden Retrievers, and Basset Hounds are more prone to ear infections due to their ear structure and 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..
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How often should I have my dog’s ears checked? It is recommended to check your dog’s ears regularly, especially if he is prone to ear infections. A veterinarian should check the ears at least once a year or if symptoms persist.
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Can environmental factors play a role 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. ear infections? Yes, environmental factors such as high humidity, allergens, and contact with water (when swimming) can increase the risk for ear infections. Controlling these factors can help prevent infections.