Causes of Middle Ear Infection in Dogs

Middle ear infection, as the name suggests, is a disease characterized by infection and inflammation of the ear. It is usually caused by the spread of infection from the ear canal or the eustachian tube, mainly manifesting as inflammation of the tympanic membrane. In severe cases, it can lead to meningitis. Therefore, it is necessary to treat the disease actively.

Causes and Symptoms of Middle Ear Infection

The main causes of middle ear infection include: first, bacterial, fungal infections, and allergies caused by various factors such as food and fleas. Second, certain breed-specific factors, such as dogs with floppy ears or thick ear canals, are more susceptible to the disease. Examples of drooping-eared breeds include golden retrievers and British cockers. Dogs with thick ear canals, such as Shih Tzus and Poodles, are also prone to the condition. Third, ear canal humidity, often caused by not cleaning the ear canal during bathing, allowing the canal to remain in a moist environment and become infected. Dogs with the disease often exhibit abnormal behaviors such as scratching their ears, shaking their heads, and rubbing their ears against objects. The ear canal may have a thick, sticky discharge with a strong odor.

Treatment of Middle Ear Infection

After a diagnosis of middle ear infection, begin by washing the ear with 3% hydrogen peroxide (3 mL), then rinse with physiological saline solution. Follow this with topical treatment using an antibiotic ear drop. The treatment process for middle ear infection is long-term and requires persistence on the part of the owner. After administering medication, the dog should wear a neck collar to prevent scratching and secondary infection.