Allergies cause ear infections

jkoch

By Dr. John Koch

Question: My dog has had an ear infection for over a year now and cannot seem to get over it. A half-dozen medications have helped, but they do not eliminate it. Almost as soon as I stop using medication, the problem starts all over again. I do not understand why I cannot get rid of it. Is there a magic formula I don't know about?

Answer: There are no magic formulas. In dogs when ear infections fail to respond, it is almost always because they are induced by allergies. It has been estimated that between 60 and 80 percent of ear infections begin because of allergies.

Allergic otitis starts as inflammation confined mainly to the outside of the ear and predisposes to infection. Bacteria and yeast are the most common agents that cause infection. If the dog has conformation peculiarities, such as excessive hair in the ear canal, long pendulous ears or narrow ear canals, curing ear infections is made more difficult. Swimming frequently also makes treatment more difficult.

The point is, whether we like it or not, chronic ear problems are almost always due to a complex of causes, many of which cannot be cured but may be controlled.

The most important thing that dog owners can do when ear problems arise is to keep the ears clean. Your veterinarian can show you the procedure for cleaning ears and give you a list of several cleansers that may safely be used. Safety is an important because some cleansers should not be used if the eardrum is ruptured. The wrong medication could destroy your dog's ability to hear. In dogs, the eardrum or tympanic membrane has minimal influence on hearing; however, the structures immediately behind the membrane are vital and should not be damaged.

Beyond simple cleaning, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antimycotics and antiparasiticals may be dispensed for home administration. In difficult cases, surgery may offer relief or at least control.

It should be noted that what has been stated here applies mainly to dogs. In cats, ear problems have different causes and treatments.

Dr. Koch is a Cape Girardeau veterinarian.