Dog Ear Canker: Causes, Symptoms and Effective Treatment

Dog ear canker, also known as otitis externa, is a painful inflammation affecting the outer ear canal of dogs, causing considerable discomfort and potential infection. It typically appears in dogs between one and four years of age but can affect any dog at any time. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments is essential to provide your pet quick relief and avoid more serious problems.

Dogs with droopy ears, narrow ear canals, or hairy ear canals are more prone to this condition because these factors influence the ear’s environment by trapping moisture and heat, creating an ideal setting for infections. Breeds such as West Highland Terriers puppies, German Shepherd puppies, and Golden Retriever puppies are particularly prone, but any breed can develop canker.

Common Causes of Dog Ear Canker

1. Moisture in the ear canal: Dogs that swim frequently may retain excess moisture, increasing the risk of canker.
2. Licking or scratching: Dogs that lick each other’s ears excessively may trigger irritation and inflammation.
3. Bacteria and yeast infections: While bacteria normally exist in the ear, their overgrowth can cause infections leading to canker.
4. Ear mites and parasites: Tiny parasites feeding on blood in the ear canal cause irritation; diagnosis requires a vet’s otoscopic examination.
5. Foreign bodies: Grass seeds, dirt, or other debris can lodge in the ear and provoke inflammation.
6. Food and environmental allergies: Allergies to certain foods, pollens or dust can cause chronic ear inflammation.
7. Ear tumours and trauma: Growths in the ear can cause swelling and irritation that lead to canker; veterinary diagnosis and biopsy may be necessary.

Recognising the Signs of Ear Canker in Your Dog

Early recognition of symptoms can help you seek vet care promptly. Look out for:

• Excessive head shaking
• Tilting the head to one side
• Persistent and intense ear scratching that may cause redness and soreness
• An unpleasant, sometimes foul odour emanating from the ear
• Red, inflamed, and painful ear canals
• Thick, dark, sometimes pus-containing discharge from the ear
• In severe cases, odor may affect the dog's whole body if infection spreads

Diagnosis: How Vets Identify Ear Canker

Veterinarians conduct a thorough examination using a specialised instrument called an otoscope to view deep inside the ear canal. Additionally, they may take swabs to examine under a microscope and perform cultures to identify the exact bacteria or yeast causing the infection. Blood tests and imaging may be recommended if more complicated causes like tumours are suspected.

Effective Treatment Options for Ear Canker

Treatment varies depending on the underlying cause, but general approaches include:

1. Removal of foreign bodies: Vet carefully extracts any lodged debris from the ear canal.
2. Cleaning: Regular gentle cleaning using vet-approved solutions to reduce moisture and infection risk.
3. Medication: Topical antibiotics, antifungals or anti-parasitic treatments to combat infections or parasites.
4. Oral medications: In severe or recurrent cases, oral antibiotics, antifungals or steroids may be prescribed.
5. Addressing allergies: Allergy testing and dietary changes may be required to reduce chronic inflammation.
6. Surgery: In cases of tumours or severe inflammation causing ear canal thickening, surgical treatment may be necessary.

Managing Flare-Ups and Long-Term Prevention

Even with treatment, ear canker can recur due to the variety of potential triggers. If symptoms return, a revisit to the vet for re-examination and tailored treatment is vital. Effective prevention includes:

• Regular ear inspections and careful cleaning
• Keeping your dog’s ears dry, especially after swimming or bathing
• Controlling parasites with appropriate treatments
• Managing allergies through vet guidance
• Avoiding excessive ear scratching or licking by addressing underlying causes

By closely monitoring your dog's ears and seeking timely veterinary advice, you can help keep your dog comfortable, healthy, and happier.