Otitis externa and otitis media can be caused by a variety of things. The primary causes are parasites, food allergies, drug reactions, foreign bodies (e.g., plant awns), accumulation of hair, dead skin buildup (keratinization), and autoimmune diseases.
What can cause otitis externa in dogs?
Primary factors are diseases that have a direct effect on the external ear canal and can cause otitis, including otic parasites such as Otodectes cyanotis, hypersensitivity disease [food allergy, atopic dermatitis, contact hypersensitivity (Figure 1)], endocrine disease such as hypothyroidism, otic neoplasia and ...
What is the main cause of otitis externa?
The most common cause of otitis externa is a bacterial infection, although fungal overgrowth is a principal cause in 10 percent of cases. 4 Otitis externa can also result from any of a broad range of noninfectious dermatologic processes.
How do you get rid of otitis externa in dogs?
Chronic Otitis Externa1Identify and correct primary causes.2Remove debris and discharge.3Treat secondary infections topically.4Treat inflammation topically and orally, as needed.5Individualize long-term management.6Improve client compliance by providing thorough and clear instructions.Treating Otitis Externa in Dogs - Today's Veterinary Practice
How do you prevent otitis externa in dogs?
The ear canals should be kept dry and well ventilated. Using drying agents in the ears of dogs that swim frequently and preventing water from entering the ear canals during bathing should minimize softening of the ear canal and decrease the frequency of bacterial or fungal infections in moist ear canals.
More useful articles on a similar topic 👇
What is the main cause of otitis externa?What kills dog ear infection?
