Cat / Mix - Answered 1162 days ago
Our pet had her ear cleaned at the vet a week ago. After we came back from the vet she was shaking her head and kept her ears flat for a while, and has lost her appetite since that day. There's a lot of liquid coming out of the ear, and the hair around it is all wet. Should I take her to the vet again?
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Jenny
United States
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Nyanta
Mix, 2 years old male
10 Answers








The most common disorder of the ear canal in dogs is called otitis externa. This condition occurs when the layer of cells that line the external ear canal becomes inflamed. Signs include headshaking, odor, redness of the skin, swelling, scratching, increased discharge, and scaly skin. The ear canal may be painful or itchy depending on the cause or duration of the condition. One or both ears can be affected, and signs can be sudden or longterm. Otitis externa can be caused by many different factors. Some of these factors (such as parasites, foreign objects, and allergies) appear to directly cause the inflammation, while others (such as certain bacteria, yeasts, or a middle ear infection) perpetuate the condition. To complicate things further, the shape or form of the pinnae or ear canals can predispose dogs to developing otitis externa. Identifying these factors is key to successful control of the inflammation. Unless all the causes are identified and treated, the condition may return. Based on these factors, your veterinarian can determine whether the condition can be cured or if longterm or lifelong treatments are necessary. To treat these conditions, your veterinarian will need to identify and correct any underlying causes. Any pain should also be managed. Usually, the area around the ear is clipped of fur to improve the cleaning and treatment of the ears. Your veterinarian may also recommend removal of the hair in the ear canals, a painful procedure usually done under anesthesia. Because topical medications can be inactivated by discharge from the ears or excessive earwax, your veterinarian will probably clean the ears gently and then dry them before treatment is started. In animals with painful ears, proper cleaning requires general anesthesia. Follow your veterinarian's advice on cleaning ears at home. Many will recommend that you wait to start home ear cleanings until after a recheck appointment, usually in 5–7 days. When properly applied, the ideal medication will coat the layer of cells lining the external ear canal as a thin film. Medication given by mouth or injection will probably be included in the treatment regimen in most cases of longterm inflammation of the ear canal and in any case in which inflammation of the middle ear is suspected. Most topical ear medications contain a combination of antibiotics, antifungal drugs, and glucocorticoids. Your veterinarian will prescribe one that is suitable. Irritating medications (eg, home remedies and vinegar dilutions) should be avoided. They cause swelling of the lining of the ear canal and an increase in glandular secretions, which predispose to bacterial or yeast infections. Substances that are usually not irritating in normal ear canals may cause irritation in an ear that is already inflamed. This is particularly true of propylene glycol. Powders, such as those used after plucking hair from the canal, can form irritating concretions within the ear canal and should not be used. When severe bacterial infection of the external ear canal is the cause of inflammation, antibacterial drugs in combination with corticosteroids may be used to reduce discharges, pain, and swelling, and to decrease glandular secretions. Dogs that have recurring bacterial inflammation of the external ear and a history of infection with ear mites should be treated with a topical product that contains antibacterial and antiparasitic drugs to ensure that any parasitic infections are eliminated. The treatment should continue until the infection is completely gone. For dogs with bacterial and yeast infections, you should expect weekly or bi-weekly physical examinations and tests until there is no evidence of infection. For most cases, this takes 2 to 4 weeks. Longterm cases may take months to resolve, and in some instances, treatment must be continued indefinitely. Follow your veterinarian’s recommended treatment program carefully and fully for the best result for your pet.
Answered 1206 days ago icon

Dog Ear Discharge: Common Causes and Treatments Ear Discharge in Dogs: Why You Should Talk to Your Vet 3 Steps for Applying Your Dog's Ear Medication Preventing Ear Problems in Dogs Ear discharge in dogs isn't really a specific condition; it's actually a symptom of an underlying issue, like mites or an ear infection. Because problems like these can be extremely painful, there's no reason to let your dog suffer needlessly. Know the signs and symptoms of dog ear problems, how to prevent them, and what you can do when they happen. Dog Ear Discharge: Common Causes and Treatments Along with ear discharge, if your dog's ears seem painful when they're touched, if your dog is tilting its head to one side, stumbling or circling to one side, pawing or scratching its ears, shaking its head, if the ear or ears seem inflamed, or if there's ear odor, it could be a sign of these common dog ear problems: Ear mites. Though extremely tiny, ear mites can be a big problem for dogs, especially younger ones. One sign your dog may have mites is a crusty, blackish-brown ear discharge, which often looks like dried shoe polish. Other signs include scratching and head shaking. There are several treatments for ear mites; some options only kill the adult mites but newer products also eliminate the eggs and the immature forms. Treatment with these products is much easier, so talk to your vet to find the best choice for your dog. Outer ear infection (otitis externa). A waxy, yellow, or reddish-brown ear discharge can also be a sign your dog has an ear infection, which can be a result of allergies, mites, polyps, overproduction of ear wax, excessive bathing or swimming (which can leave too much moisture in the ears), or other problems. Additional signs your dog might have an ear infection are a bad or fruity odor from the ears; pain; hot or inflamed ears; scratching; or head shaking. A problem like this requires prompt attention from your veterinarian. Treating an external ear infection may require an antibiotic as well as an antifungal lotion, oral medication, an ear-cleaning solution, or an ear-drying solution. Chronic issues sometimes need surgery. Inner ear infection (otitis interna) or middle ear infection (otitis media). An untreated external ear infection can easily lead to a very painful middle or inner ear infection, both of which have similar signs to otitis externa, along with reluctance to open the mouth or problems with balance. Some dogs may walk in circles or become nauseous. Treatment for middle or inner ear infections may require antibiotics, flushing the ear by your vet, or surgery if the infection is serious. Ear Discharge in Dogs: Why You Should Talk to Your Vet Gently pull back your dog's ears and have a quick look inside. What you should see is a clean, pink ear canal. If you notice discharge, redness, swelling, or odor, it's time to talk to the vet. Left untreated, ear problems in dogs can result in severe pain, hematomas (the ear flap fills up with blood), balance problems, and even deafness. Because ear discharge in dogs can be the result of several causes and can have all kinds of smells, colors, and consistencies, don't try to guess what's causing your dog's ear discharge. Find out by making an appointment with your vet, who can diagnose the cause of your dog's ear discharge and prescribe the best treatment. 3 Steps for Applying Your Dog's Ear Medication If your vet prescribes ear drops to clear up your dog's ear discharge, you may need to apply them for a few weeks. These quick tips make that a little easier: Make sure you have the ear drops close by. Then, hold your dog's head still, thumb between eyes and nose, fingers wrapped under your dog's jaw. Lift your dog's ear and clean away easy-to-reach wax with a cotton ball and ear cleaning solution. Don't dig deep and don't use cotton swabs, which can damage the ear canal or pack wax or debris against the eardrum. Keeping your grip steady, place the nozzle of the ear drops at the opening of your dog's ear canal, angled toward their nose. Squirt in the prescribed number of drops. Keep hold of your dog's head so it can't shake out the medication, then spread the drops by folding your dog's ear down and gently massaging the cartilage at the base of the ear for 30 seconds. Make sure you follow the veterinarian’s directions: Cleaning the ear canal may not optimize certain medications, and others may require more frequent dosing. Preventing Ear Problems in Dogs Dogs with drooping ears -- basset hounds, Irish setters, spaniels -- are more prone to ear problems, but any dog can have ear mites, develop an infection, or get an irritant like burrs or seeds stuck in their ears. Preventing ear problems before they start can help your dog have a full and happy noisy life. Each time your dog's ears get inflamed, the wax glands inside become bigger and more active, while the ear canal scars and narrows, making it more likely to have problems in the future. Help your dog's ears stay healthy by taking these steps:
Answered 1209 days ago icon

Hiii Short and pointy, long and floppy, or somewhere in between—dog ears come in all shapes and sizes. And although their appearances may vary from pooch to pooch, one thing about dog ears remains a possibility for all breeds: discharge. If you’ve noticed dried fluids or an odor coming from your pup’s ear, you might be dealing with dog ear discharge. This article will take you through some frequent causes of ear discharge in dogs, as well as solutions you can try for cleaning a dog’s ears at home. Are you ready to give your canine companion the ear care they need? Let’s dive in. What is Ear Discharge? Ear discharge refers to the emission of fluid from the ear canal. Discharge is not a medical condition in and of itself, but rather a symptom of several different ailments. Typically, discharge presents itself when the ear is trying to expel something that shouldn’t be in there. Recognizing dog ear discharge is likely the first step in discovering any underlying problems as it can be identified without special tools. Dog ear discharge can take on a few different forms. You may even see behavioral changes in your dog before you see the actual discharge, so you should be on the lookout for any signs of the following: Waxy, yellow discharge Dried reddish-brown or black fluid Excessive head shaking Continuous scratching at the ears Hot or inflamed ears Odor emanating from the ear area If you notice your dog scratching ear to ear and can identify the presence of discharge, a bacterial infection or yeast infection may also become a possibility. As such, taking action as soon as you see any of the above symptoms is critical. Potential Causes There are plenty of issues that could cause dog ear discharge, so be sure to double-check with a trusted veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. Here are some of the possible causes of the discharge you’re seeing. OTITIS EXTERNA The medical term for inflammation of the outer ear, otitis externa appears in up to 20% of all dogs. Due to their inner ear shape, canines are especially prone to ear infections, especially if they have floppy ears that reduce airflow to the ear canal. While a small number of bacteria and yeast normally live in the ear canal, a buildup of ear wax or other debris can lead to the overgrowth of these microscopic passengers and infection. Infections of the inner ear and middle ear (otitis interna and otitis media, respectively) can also occur if an external ear infection goes untreated. EAR MITES These tiny, bug-like critters are transmitted from one animal to another. Ear mites feast on ear wax, and their presence can often lead to ear discharge. Mites show as small, white dots in or around the ear, though they may be hard to spot with the naked eye. A black, crusty discharge is a telltale sign of ear mite infestation and warrants further investigation. ALLERGIES Believe it or not, dogs can suffer from allergies just like we do. If a food or pollen allergy causes your dog’s ears to swell, a waxy discharge may leak from the dog’sear canal. DIRT BUILDUP Dirt and dust can accumulate in the ear canal over time, especially if you live in a climate where these airborne debris are common. As dirt clogs the ear, swelling can occur, with ear discharge being a possible outcome as the ear tries to remove foreign material. Remedies to Treat and Prevent A visit to the vet may not be necessary in minor cases, although asking their advice is always welcome. If you’re given the green light, a dog ear discharge home remedy from the choices below may work for you. CLEAN THE EAR Since ear discharge can often mean wax or other debris is in the way, a simple cleaning may alleviate your dog’s discomfort. You can use an antimicrobial ear rinse to flush out any irritants while relieving itching. If you start cleaning your pup’s ear and he seems to be in plenty of pain, don’t push through. Instead, seek professional help, as a thorough cleaning under anesthesia may be necessary. MEDICATED EAR DROPS Whether over-the-counter or prescribed by a veterinarian, antibiotic ear drops are often recommended for more severe cases of ear infection. Treatment with ear drops usually lasts a few weeks and is meant to be continued until the infection is gone. PREVENTION As they say, the best offense is a good defense. When it comes to healthy ear care, this translates to keeping the area around the ears clean and under control. Trimming excess hair near the ears ensures airflow to the ear canal, allowing built up moisture to dry quicker. For those pups that love to swim, drying agents may help to soak up leftover water to avoid swimmer’s ear symptoms. Keep yourself familiar with your dog’s ear health by inspecting the area every few days. Your dog won’t even mind the extra head scratches—sounds like a win-win!
Answered 1210 days ago icon

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