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Otitis media in dogs

The middle ear is the cavity behind the eardrum. Otitis media is its inflammation, most often infectious. In the vast majority of cases in dogs, it is the consequence of neglected or poorly controlled otitis externa: the infection ends up p...

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Definition Signs Causes Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

The middle ear is the cavity behind the eardrum. Otitis media is its inflammation, most often infectious.

In the vast majority of cases in dogs, it is the consequence of neglected or poorly controlled otitis externa: the infection ends up passing through the eardrum.

It is a painful and deep condition, more difficult to treat than otitis externa, because products applied in the canal do not reach this cavity well.

Key point

A tilted head or loss of balance in a dog with ear problems requires rapid consultation: the damage is profound and the delay in treatment leaves after-effects.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Pain Head tilted Staggering gait Reduction Loss of appetite Head shaking Ear scratching Ear discharge Bad ear odour

Marked pain: the dog refuses to have his head touched, moans while yawning or eating.

Head tilted to the affected side, persistently.

Loss of balance, hesitant gait, sometimes dizzy.

Repeated head shaking, ear rubbing against the floor or furniture.

Discharge from the ear, often smelly, and red, swollen duct when otitis externa is associated.

Damage to the facial nerves in certain cases: drooping eyelid, sagging lip, eye that closes poorly, on the diseased side.

Despondency, refusal to eat because of pain when chewing.

More discreet signs are possible: simple drop in enthusiasm or irritability in a dog who no longer seems to hear.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

The extension of otitis externa through a weakened or perforated eardrum: this is the most common mechanism.

An infection coming up from the throat through the auditory tube, rarer in dogs.

A foreign body, notably a spikelet, which perforates or maintains the infection.

A polyp or tumor of the duct.

In the background, there is almost always a cause that allowed otitis externa to set in: allergy, excess humidity, narrowed duct, parasites.

History of external otitis, especially if it is repeated or treated incompletely.

Allergic dogs: allergy is the leading cause of recurrent ear infections.

Drooping ears and narrow or hairy ducts: cocker spaniel, spaniel, poodle, basset hound, shar-pei.

Frequent swimming, humidity, inappropriate or too aggressive cleaning.

Walks in dry grass, due to spikelets.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The veterinarian examines the ear canal with an otoscope to assess the condition of the eardrum, which is often impossible to see as long as the canal is inflamed or blocked.

An examination under anesthesia is frequently necessary: it allows the canal to be cleaned, the eardrum to be correctly visualized and a thorough ear wash to be carried out.

Samples are analyzed under a microscope and cultured with an antibiogram, because middle ear bacteria are often resistant.

Imaging, particularly CT, shows the contents of the middle ear and the extent of the damage when the case is severe or recurrent.

A recurring ear infection almost always hides an underlying cause: allergy, foreign body, parasite, duct anomaly. Finding this cause is more useful than repeating cleanings over and over again.

Treatment

The treatment combines deep cleaning, carried out under anesthesia by the veterinarian, and general antibiotic treatment, often prolonged and guided by the antibiogram.

Anti-inflammatory treatment and painkillers are almost always necessary.

The choice of products applied to the ear depends on the condition of the eardrum: certain molecules become toxic to hearing and balance if the eardrum is perforated.

A foreign body or polyp is removed during the examination under anesthesia.

In chronic cases that do not respond, ear surgery may be offered.

The underlying cause must be treated in parallel, otherwise the ear infection will return.

Never insert a cotton swab into your dog's ear, or pour any product into it without veterinary advice: the cotton swab packs the secretions at the bottom of the ear canal and can injure the eardrum, and an unsuitable product poured onto a perforated eardrum can cause deafness or permanent balance problems.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Treat any external otitis correctly and thoroughly, with a veterinary check at the end of treatment to check that the ear is really healed.

Find the cause of recurring ear infections, instead of repeating cleanings.

Dry the ears after swimming and bathing, without ever introducing anything into the ear canal.

Use only an ear cleaner recommended by the veterinarian, and with the frequency indicated: too frequent cleaning irritates the ear canal.

Inspect ears after walks in dry grass.

Have the ear examined at the first head shake.

Possible complications

Permanent perforation of the eardrum and hearing loss on the affected side.

Persistent balance problems, with head tilt that never completely corrects.

Facial paralysis on the affected side, sometimes permanent.

Extension to the inner ear, then, in severe cases, to neighboring nervous structures.

Progression to chronic otitis requiring ear canal surgery.

When to see a veterinarian

Your dog tilts his head to one side or loses his balance: consult without delay.

He refuses to have his ear or head touched, or whines when handled.

His ear is running, smells bad, or he shakes it constantly.

His face is asymmetrical: drooping eyelid, sagging lip, eye that remains open.

He seems to no longer hear.

An ear infection that has already been treated returns, or does not heal within the expected time frame.

Prognosis

Good when the diagnosis is early and the treatment, often long, is completed to the end with regular check-ups.

Old forms sometimes leave after-effects: partial deafness, slightly tilted head, damage to the facial nerve.

The risk of recurrence remains high until the underlying cause is identified and treated.

Frequently asked questions

Can I clean my dog's ear with a cotton swab?

Never. The dog's ear canal is bent: the cotton swab packs the secretions at the bottom instead of removing them, and can injure or perforate the eardrum. Cleaning is done only with a prescribed product, poured according to the veterinarian's instructions.

Why does my vet want to anesthetize my dog for an ear?

Because an infected ear is very painful and the canal must be cleaned and examined thoroughly, all the way to the eardrum. This is impossible on an alert dog, and cleaning under anesthesia is part of the treatment, not just the diagnosis.

My dog gets ear infections several times a year, what should I do?

Don't just reprocess every time. Repeated ear infections almost always indicate a underlying cause: allergy, spikelet, parasite, abnormal duct. Identifying this cause is the only way to stop the cycle.

Can I use leftover ear product from a previous ear infection?

No. Some products are dangerous for hearing and balance if the eardrum is perforated, which is common in cases of otitis media and impossible to check without an otoscope. An unsuitable product can cause permanent deafness.