Dear Vets: My dog "Scrumpy" is a Labrador retriever and loves to swim in the sea.  Unfortunately he seems to shake his head a lot afterwards, sometimes for days!  How do I know he has an ear infection and what can I do to make him feel better?

Infection of the external ear canal (outer ear) is one of the most common types of infections seen in dogs. It is called otitis externa. Some breeds, particularly those with large or hairy ears like Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Poodles or Retrievers, are more prone to ear infections, but they may occur in any breed. Dogs with allergies are also at risk.  Dogs that swim a lot or who live in humid climates are also prone to infections because their ears never get a chance to dry out properly.  The moist environment of the ears is a wonderful place for bacteria and yeast to grow resulting in subsequent infections.

Ear infections are painful! Many dogs will shake their head and scratch their ears trying to get the debris and fluid out. The ears often become red and inflamed and develop an offensive odor.

Here are some signs to look for if you suspect that your dogs may have an ear infection:

- Unpleasant odour
- Excessive scratching and pawing of the ear and head
- Sensitivity to touch, often resulting in pain
- Constant tilting/shaking of the head to one side
- Black or yellowish discharge
- Redness or swelling of the ear flap or canal
- Changes in behaviour like listlessness, depression or irritability
- Accumulation of dark brown wax
- Loss of balance or hearing and disorientation
- Bleeding or discharge resembling coffee grinds

Ear mites can also cause ear infections and typically result in the production of a black coffee grind like discharge in the ears.  They are contagious and often contracted from pet to pet and lead to intense, scratching and head shaking and frequently secondary bacterial and yeast (fungus) infections.

Since infections can be have multi-factorial causes, it is important to have your dogs ears examined properly by a Veterinarian. A Veterinarian can use a special instrument called an otoscope to look down the ear canal to ensure that the infection has not passed into the inner ear canal.

The Vet will also be able to determine if the eardrum is still intact or has been ruptured.  A sample of the discharge can be taken and examined under a microscope to determine what organism(s) is affecting the ears. In some cases, a foreign body or tumor in the ear canal may cause the ear infection.

The results of the otoscopic and microscopic examination usually determine the diagnosis and course of treatment. The Vet may prescribe topical medication to put directly in the ear, or oral medication, depending on how bad the condition is. Sometimes, pain medication is also prescribed to reduce the inflammation and make the dog feel more comfortable.

If there is a foreign body or parasite lodged in the ear canal, the dog is sedated for removal. Some dogs must be sedated to allow a thorough ear flushing and cleaning. An important part of the evaluation of the patient is the identification of underlying disease.

Many dogs with chronic or recurrent ear infections have allergies or low thyroid function (hypothyroidism). If underlying disease is suspected, it must be diagnosed and treated or the pet will continue to experience chronic ear problems. Dogs with ear infections are miserable.

Their ears are a source of constant pain resulting in head shaking and scratching. Head shaking and scratching can also cause broken blood vessels in the earflap called an ear hematoma, which requires surgery. Chronic ear infections can penetrate the eardrum and result in an internal ear infection and permanent hearing loss.

Nearly all ear infections that are properly diagnosed and treated can be cured.

For dogs like yours that swim a lot, be sure to always dry the ears with a towel after swimming to prevent excessive moisture and clean them weekly with a veterinary ear cleanser.  Swimming is good source of exercise for your dog so take care of those ears and have fun in the water.

If you would like to ask Dr Tiffany or Dr Lana from the Cayman Islands Animal Hospital, a question about your pet please e-mail askthevets@caymannetnews.com