Did you know that ear issues are one of the most common reason we see our patients? Additionally, did you know that when a dog or cat has allergies, it frequently presents itself as a skin condition? Allergens cause inflammation and irritation of the pet’s skin; this change can disrupt the normal amount of yeast and bacteria found on the body. Once this has occurred, the skin becomes irritated and can develop infections. The skin that makes up the ear canal is also affected by this alteration.
While the primary cause of ear infections is usually a combination of factors, allergies almost always play some part in the matter. Allergic diseases are reported as the most common cause of otitis, especially chronic otitis, responsible for 43% of cases.1,2
If your pet is shaking their head or crying out in pain when you touch their ear, they likely have an ear infection. We will need to see your pet in order to determine the best medications to treat their condition. Usually treatment includes a multi-directional approach, managing the itch and pain while also taking care of the infection and underlying allergies (if they’re involved).
References
1. Saridomichelakis NM, Farmaki R, Leontides LS, et al. Aetiology of canine otitis externa: a retrospective study of 100 cases. Vet Dermatol 2007;18 (5):341-347.
2. Bensignor E, Legeay D: A multicentre prospective study of otitis externa in France: 802 cases. Vet Dermatol 11 (suppl 1), 2000;22:138-143.