Abnormal Ear Discharge in Cats and Dogs
My-Dog.info > Dog Health
The ear canals are lined with glands that produce a greasy,
waxy substance called ear wax or cerumen. These ceruminous glands
normally produce a colourless coating that keeps the ear tissues
from drying out. This cerumen also helps to discourage growth of
bacteria and yeast. Sometimes however, the ear environment
becomes a favored home to organisms due to the warmth,
protection, and moisture found there. Ear mite parasites also
enjoy the microenvironment of the ears, and though these most
commonly affect kittens, cats of any age can develop
infestations. When the ear is irritated the production of cerumen
increases, and bacteria use the cerumen as a food source. This
turns it rancid and produces a foul greasy smell and darkening of
the cerumen colour.
In humans, the ear canal is straight and so pooling of
discharge is unlikely unless wax becomes dried out and clumps in
the canal. On the other hand, dogs and cats' ear canals extend
down towards their lower cheek as the canal extends in from where
the canal entrance to the terminus at the eardrum (tympanic
membrane) deep in the skull. This unfortunately provides a great
spot for secretions or fluid to accumulate because gravity does
not drain it. When dogs and cats shake their heads, they are
sometimes attempting to clear secretions or discharge pooled in
the horizontal canal next to the tympanic membrane. Bacterial
infections in dogs often follow a swim or a bath because water
and bacteria pool in the ear.
Abnormal smell, texture or colour of the ear secretion helps
us identify infections or parasite infestations. The ear itself
also becomes very sensitive, and the ear canal and inside of the
flap (pinna) may become bright red associated with the
inflammation. Left unattended, infected ears will become very
painful and long-standing cases can even lead to deafness.
Accumulation of large amounts of debris can press on the tympanic
membrane and pop it, or extension of a severe infection can
weaken and rupture a tympanic membrane. Once an eardrum is
broken, the discharge and organisms can travel into the middle
ear, and even extend into sensitive surrounding tissues of the
head. These advanced cases can be difficult to clear without
extensive medical therapy, and sometimes, surgical drainage is
also required to affect a cure for these cats.
Bacterial infections often produce a foul-smelling discharge.
If the ear(s) develop a pronounced infection, fever and loss of
appetite are some signs that may be noted. Fungal (yeast)
infections may be found in association with a bacterial
infection, or on their own. These infections may produce
pronounced scratching and head shaking, but if they are very
painful, the pet may just flinch and vocalize if the ears are
touched.
Ear mites often produce a characteristic dry brown-black
discharge that is crumbly (we refer to it as "coffee
ground"). Mites can produce extensive inflammation, and once
they get going secondary bacterial and yeast infections often
develop. The itchiness (pruritis) can be so intense with ear
mites that the cat will develop large sores around the ears,
particularly behind the ear pinnae due to vigorous repeat
scratching episodes.
A pet showing signs of abnormal ear discharge, itchiness,
pain, redness, swelling or bad odour should be taken to a
veterinarian for assessment. In addition to a visual examination,
an otoscope or videoscope will be used to visualize the ear canal
down to the tympanic membrane. Discharge may be swabbed to check
under the microscope for yeast organisms, ear mites, or stained
with dye to identify bacteria type. Sometimes other
recommendations may be made such as a culture of the discharge
for bacterial sensitivity to antibiotics. If there is suspicion
that the condition is affecting the eardrum or deep ear tissues,
an X-ray (radiograph) will be performed to assess that area
further.
Early treatment leads to a better prognosis, and some
conditions worsen quickly without intervention, so care should
not be delayed. Many excellent preparations are available to
flush out the debris, clean the ear, and kill the parasites or
organisms. Follow-up treatments at home with prescription
preparations should be given according to the prescribed
schedule.
Reprinted with permission from www.animalhealthcare.ca
|
 |
|
|
Save big on quality brand name pet meds and other pet supplies!
Pet Shed is the premier source for discount pet supplies on the Internet. Heartgard heartworm, Frontline Plus flea control, Advantage flea control, Revolution flea & heartworm, and many other pet medications.
|
