Doggie Ear Itch: Possible Causes and Solutions

I. Chief Complaint

The owner reported that their dog has been frequently shaking its ears and scratching the back of its neck and ears. At home, the owner was anxious to help the dog understand what was wrong with its ears, but the dog reacted aggressively, becoming defensive upon any touch. Upon inquiry, it was learned that the dog's vaccinations and deworming were up to date, and the dog had been bathed a week prior.

II. Clinical Examination

Upon initial physical examination, the dog's ears were found to be visibly moist, warm, red, and had an unpleasant odor. The dog's scratching behavior further indicated the presence of itching.

III. Investigations

An initial suspicion of otitis externa (outer ear infection) was raised. The owner was advised to check the blood for inflammation levels, perform a culture of the ear canal for bacterial infection, and use an otoscope to detect any parasitic infections. The owner agreed to these checks. The results revealed elevated Creactive protein indicating acute inflammation, along with bacterial and a small amount of Malassezia (a type of fungus) infection in the ear canal.

IV. Treatment Plan

The diagnosis was confirmed as a mixed otitis externa infection. The treatment plan included a combination of antibiotic ear drops and antifungal ear ointment. Oral antibiotics were prescribed twice daily, combined with antiinflammatory medication. An Elizabethan collar was recommended to prevent the dog from scratching and worsening the skin infection around the ears, as well as to prevent the spread of local infections.

V. Prognosis and FollowUp

Due to the owner's concern about potentially harming the dog's ear canal, home care was not possible, and the dog was brought to the clinic daily for medication and care. After five days of consistent treatment, there was a noticeable improvement. After five days, the frequency of treatment was reduced to twice or thrice a week, allowing the owner to administer the medication at home. The dog's condition remained stable and relatively cooperative. A followup visit revealed that the dog's ears had healed completely, and the dog no longer exhibited scratching behaviors.

VI. Tips for the Owner

a. Otitis externa refers to inflammation of the outer ear canal, often caused by improper grooming, foreign body irritation, and infections by bacteria, fungi, or mites.

b. Not all dirty ears are due to ear mites!

c. It is more common during hot and humid seasons, and in dogs and cats with droopy ears or excessive hair in the outer ear canal.

d. Severe infections may present with redness and swelling of the outer ear canal skin, hyperplasia (excessive growth) of the ear canal epithelium, and even obstruction, necessitating immediate veterinary care.

e. Thorough cleaning of the ear canal is crucial for the treatment of otitis externa, especially in severe cases, as improper cleaning can lead to recurrent episodes of the disease.

f. Unlike humans, dogs and cats have different ear canals. With veterinary guidance, you can safely and gently care for your pet's ears. However, always ensure proper restraint to prevent the dog or cat from moving around and potentially causing injury to the ear canal.