3933. How to treat smelly ears and head shaking in your dog? Chronic otitis externa.

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video clip from owner to show me his dog's ears and head shaking

Owner's complaint.  Ears choked with pus.  Ear smell like rotten eggs.

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Singapore is an island state. Around 80% of the residents live in high-rise apartments.
There are many dog lovers. Among the big breeds, the Golden Retrievers are one of the
top 3 favourites as they are gentle and good with small children. 

However, Golden Retrievers have floppy ears. This means that the ear canals s are
often covered by the ear pinnae. (Narrate from the images below....drainage...ventilation)

Shook his head daily and vigorously for the past 3 weeks. (read email letter to Dr Sing).

Floppy ears ... ventilation    drainage...  challenges
Many dog owner lives hectic lives...no time to clean the ears weekly......

EAR SURGERY IS THE ONLY SOLUTION. To open up the lateral wall of the ear canal so that

pus and debri can drain out easily. Ventilation will be much better with an open lateral wall of the ear canal.  

ERECT EARS - do suffer from the same problem of chronic otitis externa if not

well maintained or treated by the owner and his or her vets 

EAR SURGERY RESOLVED THIS SHELTIE'S PROBLEM. (Read notes from Instagram)

ANOTHER CASE  from 2004
- COCKER SPANIEL. (Read notes from Instagram as well).

CONCLUSION 

The affected 13-year-old Golden Retriever has been treated by
Dr Daniel Sing (read Instagram notes)

  

A kinder Millenial and Generation Z dog owners (read Instagram notes as well).

CREDITS

 

SPECIAL THANKS TO 

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NOT FOR VIDEO CREATION

MSD MANUAL

How to Clean your Dog’s Ears

When cleaning a dog’s ear, it is critical not to use anything that would tend to push any debris further into the ear canal. Cotton-tipped applicators (such as Q-tips) should not be used. Assemble real (not synthetic) cotton balls and the ear cleaning solution. It is best to use saline eye solution to clean the ear. Do not use wax removal liquid or other over-the-counter ear cleaners. Squirt enough cleaner into the ear to fill the canal. Massage the base of the ear until you hear the solution “squish.” Gently grasp the base of the ear and pull the pinna up and away from the head in order to straighten out the “L” shape of the canal. Wad the cotton into a tubular shape and gently insert it into the canal as far as it will go. Again, gently massage the base of the ear to help work debris and cleaning solution toward the cotton and dry the canal. Wait a few minutes before using any medication in the affected ear(s) as instructed by your veterinarian

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https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-ear-infections/

Share:

• Hi there,

   

  I chance upon a video on Youtube and showing the vet clearing a Huskey’s ear.
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGePnrz_DbQ
  
  I have a Golden Retriever, approx. 13/14 years old, having a similar issue. I couldn’t clean his ears much as it hurts him.
  I thought regular cleaning will do, however it has worsen. Now there Puss, and the smell of his ear is like it’s rotten.
  
  Perhaps we can schedule a day to bring my dog down and get his ears check by you.

  You can reach out to me via email, or phonecall/WhatsApp.
  Looking forward to your reply!
  
  Thanks!
  

  Warmest Regards,BREEDS A-Z
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Dog Ear Infections: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Many dog owners have learned to recognize the telltale signs of an ear infection: whining, scratching, and head shaking are often the first symptoms of the problem.

Ear infections are common conditions in dogs, especially those with floppy ears such as Basset Hounds and Cocker Spaniels. An estimated 20 percent of dogs have some form of ear disease, which may affect one or both ears. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to reduce the length and severity of these episodes for your dog.

There are three types of ear infections, known formally as otitis externa, media, and interna. The most common is otitis externa, in which inflammation affects the layer of cells lining the external portion of the ear canal. Otitis media and interna refer to infections of the middle and inner ear canal, respectively. These infections often result from the spread of infection from the external ear. Otitis media and interna can be very serious and may result in deafness, facial paralysis, and vestibular signs. That’s why it’s important to prevent infections and seek early treatment when problems arise.

Symptoms of Dog Ear Infections

Some dogs show no symptoms of ear infection aside from a buildup of wax and discharge in the ear canal. But ear infections often cause significant discomfort and affected dogs may show signs such as:

• Head shaking
• Scratching at the affected ear
• Dark discharge
• Odor
• Redness and swelling of the ear canal
• Pain
• Itchiness
• Crusting or scabs in the ears

What Causes Ear Infections in Dogs?

The canine ear canal is more vertical than that of a human, forming an L-shape that tends to hold in fluid. This makes dogs more prone to ear infections. Ear infections are typically caused by bacteria, yeast, or a combination of both. In puppies, ear mites can also be a source of infection.

Factors that may predispose your dog to ear infections include:

• Moisture, which can create a prime growing environment for bacteria and yeast
• Allergies, which lead to ear disease in about 50 percent of dogs with allergic skin disease and 80 percent of dogs with food sensitivities
• Endocrine disorders, such as thyroid disease
• Autoimmune disorders
• Wax buildup
• Foreign bodies
• Injury to the ear canal
• Excessive cleaning

How are Dog Ear Infections Treated?

Your veterinarian will thoroughly clean your dog’s ears using a medicated ear cleanser. Your vet may also prescribe an ear cleanser and a topical medication for you to use at home. In severe cases, your vet may prescribe oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications.

Most uncomplicated ear infections resolve within 1–2 weeks, once appropriate treatment begins. But severe infections or those due to underlying conditions may take months to resolve, or may become chronic problems. In cases of severe chronic disease where other treatments have failed, your veterinarian may recommend surgery such as a Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA). A TECA surgery removes the ear canal, thus removing the diseased tissue and preventing the recurrence of infection.

It is important to follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely and return to the veterinary hospital for any recommended recheck appointments. Lapses in your dog’s treatment may lead to the recurrence of the infection. It is especially important that you finish the full course of your dog’s medication, even if your dog appears to be getting better. Failure to finish the full course of treatment may lead to additional problems such as resistant infections.

Can You Prevent Ear Infections in Dogs?

As with most diseases, prevention is always best. Excess moisture is a common cause of ear infections, so be sure to thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after swimming and bathing. If your dog is prone to chronic or recurrent ear infections, identifying and managing any underlying causes such as allergies can help prevent new infections from occurring.

Cleaning your dog’s ears at home can also help prevent ear infections. Jeff Grognet, DVM, a columnist for AKC Family Dog, advises the following steps for ear cleaning: “First, fill the canal with a dog ear cleaning solution and massage the vertical ear canal from the outside. Wipe out the canal with absorbent gauze. Don’t use paper towels or cotton because these may leave fibers behind, and those could cause irritation.” Cotton swabs may also be useful for cleaning your dog’s pinnae (the external ear flaps) but avoid using them in the ear canal, which may inadvertently push debris deeper into the canal.