Topical therapy is the mainstay treatment for otitis externa although systemic use of anti-inflammatory therapy and/or antimicrobial therapy may be indicated for individual patients. Most dogs with otitis, irrespective of its cause, will benefit from anti-inflammatory therapy.
Does otitis externa go away by itself in dogs?
Canine otitis externa occurs when a dog's external ear canal is inflamed and potentially also infected. It's a leading cause of vet visits for dogs, and in most cases requires medical treatment and won't go away on its own.
How long does otitis externa last in dogs?
Recovery from otitis externa will largely be at home, but how long this takes will depend on how severe the damage is. Most dogs will fully recover in three to four weeks, but severe cases may take longer.
What happens if otitis externa is left untreated in dogs?
Two potential long-term complications of inner ear infection include a permanently altered sense of balance and/or persistent signs of Horner's syndrome. Your dog may also become permanently deaf in the affected ear. That said, most dogs with otitis interna respond well to medical management.
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