Effective Medication for Dog Middle Ear Inflammation

Ear infections are a common health issue among pets such as dogs, cats, and rabbits. Not only do they cause discomfort to our beloved companions, but they can also lead to more severe complications. So, what should we do when our furry friends unfortunately contract otitis media? This article will delve into the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for canine otitis media, helping you better care for your ailing pet.

What is Otitis Media?

Otitis media refers to the inflammation of the middle ear structures within a dog's ear, which can be caused by various factors, including bacterial or fungal infections, allergies, or foreign objects entering the ear canal.

Different from otitis externa, otitis media often involves the area behind the eardrum and may affect the inner ear. It can be unilateral or bilateral and can affect pets of all ages. Untreated otitis media can lead to inner ear inflammation or eardrum perforation, which may subsequently result in symptoms like ear discharge, otitis externa, and meningitis.

Common Symptoms

When a dog has otitis media, they may exhibit the following symptoms:

Freely shaking their head and scratching at the infected ear;

Redness, swelling, and discharge in the ear canal;

Head tilting or a loss of balance;

Sensitivity to pain in the ear, with a reluctance to allow touching;

Fever, loss of appetite, and a general lack of energy;

Decreased hearing and a slower response to stimuli;

In some cases, dogs may also experience symptoms like dry eyes and facial nerve paralysis.

Diagnosis Methods for Canine Otitis Media

Before administering any medication, it's best to consult a veterinarian for proper examination and diagnosis to ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Common diagnostic methods include:

Medical history and clinical symptoms;

Ear examination to determine if there is an eardrum bulge or abnormality;

Imaging techniques such as Xrays, CT scans, or MRI to observe the condition of the tympanic bulla and any fluid or soft tissue material within it.

What Medications Are Used for Canine Otitis Media?

It's important to note that while mild cases of otitis media may be treated at home, severe cases require immediate veterinary attention!

Home treatment measures:

Use Ear Clear (pet ear care solution) to clean your dog's ears, or mix a small amount of antibiotics, such as gentamicin or neomycin, into normal saline.

Operation steps:

First, use a cotton ball soaked in the ear cleaning solution and hold it with a hemostat. Clean the outer ear canal of any discharge.

Then, drop an adequate amount of ear cleaning solution into your dog's ear and gently massage the base of the ear for about one minute.

Release your dog, allowing them to shake out the liquid, and then use a tweezer to wipe the ear clean with a cotton ball.

Administer Ear Clear (fluoroquinolonemetronidazole ear drops) twice to three times a day. This ear drop is effective against both bacteria and fungi, and it helps to suppress infections. After applying the drops, gently rub the base of your dog's ear to ensure the medication is evenly distributed.

Feed your dog Cephalexin tablets for systemic antiinfection, once a day, for seven days. Continue the medication based on the condition of the ear discharge.

During treatment, be sure to fit your dog with an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from scratching their ears. Regularly check your dog's ears and wipe away any discharge as needed.

If your dog's condition is severe, with symptoms like disorientation, balance issues, or facial nerve paralysis, seek veterinary care immediately. If left untreated, the infection may spread to the brain, leading to purulent meningitis, which can be fatal.