Pet Ear Infections

Some ear infections can be very serious. That is why you should be keen on recognizing the early signs of these problems to save your pet from any pain or stress later on. If your dog or cat has an ear infection, you may see him or her excessively scratching the affected ear. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may also notice an unusual discharge from the ears, pain that makes your pet shake his or her head, odor, swollen ear canal, crust in the ear, loss of balance, and waxy buildup.

There are various reasons why your pet may have an infection. A common cause is parasites such as mites. They enter the ear and interfere with its functioning. Another common cause is moisture entry which creates a suitable breeding ground for yeast and bacteria. The other possible causes are allergies, the entry of foreign things, injuries such as scratches, and excessive or neglected cleaning.

Our first and most important step is always conducting a thorough diagnosis. We evaluate your pet's ears in-depth to determine their condition. Our veterinarian notes down all the symptoms. We also conduct various tests to determine the exact cause of the infection.

With a thorough diagnosis on hand, our veterinarian can then develop the right treatment methods for your pet. Other treatment options include topical medications, medicated ear cleansers, antifungal medications, antiparasitics, and oral or injectable antibiotics. Note that if the infection is not severe, it typically goes away within one to two weeks. However, severe infections can last for weeks and sometimes even months, possibly requiring surgery.

If you suspect your pet has an ear infection, visit us today at Allied Animal Healthcare in Riverdale. We will diagnose the problem and treat it as necessary. Even if your pet does not show signs of an infection, make sure he or she still visits us for an annual pet exam. We are committed to providing your pet with the quality health care he or she needs to live a happy and healthy life. Call us today to find out how we can help.