Definition of the Middle ear?
The Middle ear or the Otitis Media is the middle part of the ear. If an infection if crosses the outer ear and starts affecting the middle ear, we call it the middle ear infection. Mites or fungus can penetrate the outer part of the ear and gets inside the middle section. Common infections are yeast, fungus, and mites.
Most affected breeds are
The truth is, all dogs are prone to ear infections. But some specific breeds mostly get affected by the infections of the middle and inner ear. Beagle, Basset hound, Dachshund, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, have drooping ears, which makes them excellent victims for the infections. The owners of these breeds should frequently monitor these races, for any signs of ear infection.
Signs of Middle ear infections in dogs
Several signs indicate ear infections. If the owner sees any of the signs mentioned below, he should immediately consult the vet.
Ear infection symptoms of either the outer, middle or the inner ear:
1.The frequent shaking of the head
2.Scratching of the ear
3.Scraping near the cheek area
4.Rubbing the ear against different objects
5.Siding the head at one side
5.Frequent liquid discharge from the ear
6.The filthy smell from the ear
Ear infection symptoms of the middle ear:
1.The dog may feel nauseatic, with numerous vomiting.
2.The dog will drool from the affected side.
3.The pet will frequently drop food out of its mouth.
4.The pet may have difficulty in eating.
5.The dog may not be able to blink its eyes.
6.The dog may have frequent eye discharges.
7.Nostrils, lips, and eyelids will droop in one side.
8.The owner can see signs of Horner’s syndrome.
9.The owner will see the pet falling or leaning towards a particular side.
10.Walking in circles.
11.The dog may suddenly lose its hearing abilities
12.The pet will aggressively react whenever the owner touches the affected ear.
13.The eyes can dart back and forth.
14.In extreme cases, the nerve paralysis can also occur in the face.
Diagnosis
It's incredibly tricky to diagnose and identify issues of the middle ear. The vet will collect samples from the ear canal and will use the sample to determine inflammation present within the ear canal. The vet will also evaluate the health history of the dog. He may also ask the owner to monitor the dog for any ear discharges. This will allow the vet to start the treatment as quickly as possible to combat the infection. Initial treatment will prevent further progression of the disease to severe painful situation for your dog.
Treatment
Early detection will be the best way to combat the infection. The vet will focus on preventing the virus from affecting the breed in the future. If the dog’s yeast infections left untreated, the infection would spread to other body parts. Treatment will involve, cleaning the affected area, then flushing the area with the saline solution. Some vets will also clean the other unaffected ear. The vet will usually prescribe an antiparasitic, an antibiotic, and an antifungal medication for the patient.
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