What is Ear Infection (Otitis)?
Inflammation or infection of the ear canal, one of the most common reasons for veterinary visits, especially in dogs with floppy ears.
Otitis is inflammation of the ear, most often of the external ear canal (otitis externa), and can have many causes: food or environmental allergies, excess moisture (common after bathing or swimming), ear mites, bacterial or Malassezia yeast infections, foreign bodies (such as grass awns), or anatomical factors — breeds with floppy ears and narrow ear canals, such as Cocker Spaniels and Labrador Retrievers, are more predisposed.
Typical signs include frequent scratching or head shaking, head tilting to one side, foul-smelling discharge from the ear, redness and swelling of the ear canal, pain when the ear is touched, and, in more advanced cases, loss of balance if the infection spreads to the inner ear.
Treatment depends on the cause: proper cleaning, topical medications (antibiotics, antifungals, or anti-inflammatories), and, when an allergy is the underlying cause, management of that allergy to prevent recurrence. Poorly treated or recurrent ear infections can become chronic and harder to resolve. See a veterinarian if a pet is scratching at an ear frequently, has discharge, a strong odor, or is tilting its head, since ear infections tend to be quite uncomfortable and worsen quickly without proper treatment.
Important notice
This calculator is for educational purposes and does not replace a veterinary evaluation. When in doubt, consult a veterinarian.Related terms
Dermatitis
A general term for skin inflammation, with many possible causes — allergies, parasites, infections, or irritants — that causes itching, redness, and discomfort.
Ectoparasite
A parasite that lives on the surface of an animal's body, such as fleas, ticks, and mites, which can cause itching, allergies, and transmit other diseases.
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Inflammation of the membrane that lines the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids, causing redness and discharge; it can have infectious, allergic, or irritant causes.