Dermatology Service

Ear Infections

DERMATOLOGY SERVICE

Management of Acute, Chronic and Complicated Ear Infections

Ear infections in dogs and cats most commonly occur as a result of a foreign body (e.g. grass seed) or allergy. Other potential causes include polyps or tumours. Chronic and complicated ear infections can extend to the middle and inner ears. Dogs and cats with inner ear disease often present with nausea, loss of appetite, loss of balance, and head tilt. These more severe ear infections often involve antibiotic-resistant bacterial organisms.

UNMATCHED EXPERTISE

Video Otoscopy

The combination of an endoscopic camera system with a rigid scope for examination of the external ear canal is known as a video-otoscope. The significant magnification by the device affords clear visualisation of the ear canals and eardrum allowing cleansing of the ear, removal of foreign objects, removal of polyps and masses for tissue analysis, and even sampling of the middle ear canal for diagnostic testing. The use of a video-otoscope has the added advantage of allowing image and video capture for your viewing.

If middle or inner ear disease is suspected, advanced imaging using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be performed to evaluate these structures.

The dermatologists at WAVES have extensive experience in formulating treatment plans for animals with multidrug-resistant bacterial ear infections.

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