Smelly ear pain and nasty discharge
Ear infections are the most common problem seen by veterinarians. Sadly, we don’t’ get the chance to help enough of them in time to prevent severe pain. Redness, swelling, and yeasty discharges are common. By the time the head shaking and scratching starts they’re already advanced. Take a whiff of your dog’s ears and gently massage below the flaps to check for tenderness. Of course, there is a language barrier. If you ask if her ears hurt, and she shakes her head, she means yes.
The ear canal is a long tube that courses down the side of their head, then makes a sharp bend toward the ear drum. It’s a warm, dark environment that can be easily overgrown with bacteria or yeast. There are lots of other possible causes including allergies, ear mites, ticks, mange, and foxtail awns. A pet can struggle with more than one of these, all at the same time.
Softly wipe away scabs and discharge outside that ear but don’t try to solve the problem on the cheap. Pets with ear pain should see a doctor soon. I’ve treated too many disasters that well-meaning pet parents had tried to manage without modern medicine. Leftover ointments and home remedies like Neosporin only mask the cause. Yeast, bacteria, and mites are simple to find under the microscope but deeper problems require irrigation and a thorough evaluation. Painful pets need sedation for these procedures. They shouldn’t be made to panic and struggle to get well.
Ear infections can reoccur with continued itching from allergies and other skin disease, so follow-up is important. Tell the doctor if you’ve noticed scratching, rubbing, licking, or nibbling of the skin too.
You can reduce the risk. A cotton ball, lightly moistened with cooking oil, placed in each ear before bathing will help but don’t get carried away with preventive care. All ears need a few good organisms to stay healthy. If irrigated and cleaned needlessly, the natural balance is lost. Then Mother Nature would get mad. That would be painful for all of us.
For help with behavior problems, you can sign-up for a Zoom Group Conference on my website, drjeffnichol.com.
Dr. Jeff Nichol is a residency-trained veterinary behaviorist in Albuquerque. He provides consultations in-person and in groups by Zoom (drjeffnichol.com). Each week he shares a blog and a video to help bring out the best in pets and their people. Sign up at no charge at drjeffnichol.com. Post pet questions through my website, drjeffnichol.com/contact/ or by US Post to 4000 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuq, NM 87109.
