The ‘otic canal’ (the outer ear tube) is designed to funnel noise down to and through the ear drum (tympanic membrane), which provides a physical barrier to bacteria and foreign material. Behind your ear drum is the middle ear, an air-filled space called the tympanic cavity, and the inner ear, which contains the delicate hearing apparatus, as well as the vestibular system, which regulates your balance. Problems in any of these areas cause common ear complaints in dogs, cats, rabbits and rodents.

Ear infections are extremely common
One of the most common complaints is the ear infection (‘otitis externa’), which dogs are particularly prone to – some breeds more than others. Hairy ear flaps that flop down over the ear canal can predispose to moist, humid conditions in the ear canal, which bacteria and fungus particularly like. Dogs that like swimming can pick up infections and dogs with skin allergies are particularly prone to the skin of the ear canal getting itchy and infected. There are many drops and solutions that can soothe and fight ear infections, although the greatest challenge is convincing Fido or Felix to sit still long enough to correctly administer the medications! Sometimes we use long lasting preparations or ear wicks (sponges impregnated with antibiotics) to avoid daily treatment of difficult patients!

In young puppies, kittens and rabbits we sometimes see ear mites – tiny parasites that live in the ear canal causing an intense itching of the ears. Fortunately, they are easy to treat and much less rarely bother adult animals.

Not uncommonly, foreign materials can get trapped in the ear canal. Grass seeds are particularly problematic, as their barbed ends get caught in the hair around the ear, meaning they quickly work their way down the tube until resting painfully against the ear drum. Tumours or cancers can also occur in the ear canal. Cats are particularly prone to ear polyps, which grow low down in the ear canal and are often prone to getting infected – these can be quite challenging to remove.

If an ear drum ruptures or an infection damages the ear drum (tympanic membrane), an infection will spread to the tympanic cavity and cause a middle ear infection (otitis media). These can be much more difficult to cure and more aggressive treatment, such as repeated ear flushes, may be required.

A great selection of medications available
These days we can use special cameras to inspect the ear drum and middle ear. Special scans or X-rays can highlight disease or growths in the lower ear canal or behind the ear drum. We have a great selection of medications and washes to control and treat infections, and clever surgical techniques allow us to treat even the most troublesome ear problem.

Common symptoms include holding an ear on one side, a foul smell or discharge coming from the ear canal, or excessive scratching or head shaking. If your pet is bothered by its ears, consult your vet for the most appropriate and, hopefully, easiest treatment to administer.