Ear and Skin

Ear and Skin problems must be discussed as one disease, because an ear problem is really a skin problem of the ear. And then it becomes more complicated, because the skin of the ear is in a difficult position to treat, and the conditions for maintaining infection either bacterial or fungal are intrinsic to the Canine and Feline ear even more than the Human ear.

An ear infection (Otitis Externa or Otitis Media) is usually obvious to all (pain and odor), and so the diagnosis of otitis is not difficult. What is difficult and VERY IMPORTANT is why does your pet have the ear infection and the majority of our other pets do not? And here the cause could be primary i.e. a scratch or a bite or excess wax or it could be secondary to a hormonal problem (hypothyroidism) or to a cancer in the ear, or to an immune deficiency, or to food sensitivity, or to allergy to items in the environment (pollen, chemicals, dust).

And so therapy has to be directed toward finding the cause and relieving the infection and pain at the same time.

The pet ear is anatomically more difficult to view than the human ear, and the pet who is in pain often will need anesthesia for a thorough ear exam. Fortunately, we now have a Video Endoscope for viewing the ear under great magnification down to the eardrum and if the eardrum is ruptured we can see into the middle ear.

Diagnosis and treatment, may require flushing the ear with the aid of the Video Endoscope, using anesthesia to allow for a complete exam, using antibiotics, blood work, cytology, food trials, and repeat exams, and so your family needs to discuss the dedication to care and costs with our staff.

For years we did not have use of an instrument that allowed clear visualization of the eardrum (tympanum), but now we do. Therefore, being there are drugs that should not be used when your pet has a ruptured eardrum, every case of otitis should be examined with an instrument that will allow clear visualization of the eardrum.

Our goal is to provide compassionate, competent, care to all pets, and to do this we need your help. Let us work as a team to help your pet

Hospital # is 941-493-3300

or go to My Vet Online

then choose either cat info or dog info and then choose ear care to learn even more about ear problems in your pet.

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