EAR SCRATCHING AND HEAD SHAKING
By Theresa A. Fuess, Ph.D.
Information Specialist University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine
"Normal ears of dogs and cats have
a relatively smooth inner lining with a minimal amount of wax build-up,"
says Dr. Sandra Manfra, small animal veterinarian at the University of Illinois
Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital
in Urbana. "Any one of several problems can cause the ear canal to become
filled with odoriferous debris. Your pet will probably tell you its ears
are uncomfortable by excessive scratching and head shaking. Early treatment
of ear problems is important to prevent complications such as damage to the
inner ear and hearing loss."
Ear mites (Otodectes) are a common cause of ear irritation and frequent ear
scratching in cats. Ears infected with mites are often filled with dark brown,
flaky debris. The mites can be seen when the debris is examined under a microscope.
Allergies are a common cause of ear irritation in dogs. Allergies can be
caused by pollens, moulds, plants, fleas, and a variety of other substances.
In addition to scratching their ears, dogs with allergies often lick their
feet and rub their face.
Trauma to the ear from foreign objects, such as plant seeds or burrs, or
from aggressive cleaning with cotton tipped applicators can also cause pain
and inflammation in a pet's ears.
Any of these conditions, if left untreated, can lead to additional and more
complicated problems, such as yeast or bacterial infections. These infectious
agents grow best in warm, humid ears that have little air flow. Thus, breeds
that have very long or very narrow ear canals, animals that enjoy swimming,
and those that live in hot, humid environments will be predisposed to ear
infections.
Yeast (Malassezia pachydermatitis) is a normal inhabitant of the ear in small
numbers. Inflammation of the ear, from any of the above causes, allows the
yeast to grow in excessive numbers. Yeast infected ears have a smelly waxy
build-up. Bacterial infections can result in smelly pus-like drainage from
the ear and can be extremely painful.
Your veterinarian can examine your pet's ear canal; test a sample of the
discharge for bacteria, yeast, or mites; and choose the most effective treatment.
Your veterinarian can show you the proper way to clean and medicate the ears.
To prevent ear problems, keep your pet's ears clean and dry. It is more important
to check your pet's ears regularly for dirt and discharge than it is to clean
them. Look in your pet's ears once a week or whenever you are petting it.
Should they need cleaning, use only products and methods recommended by your
vet. Never clean with a cotton tipped applicator any deeper than you can
see. Finally, if your pet's ears require frequent cleaning, see your veterinarian
and treat the cause before complications develop.
For more information on pet care, contact your local veterinarian.