growth of the “bugs” that cause disease.  Ear infections are usually caused by bacteria and/or a yeast called Malasezzia.  A much less common cause of ear infections is ear mites.  Diagnosis should include a visual evaluation of ear debris under a microscope.  A culture of the ear debris is many times indicated as well.  Examination with an otoscope will allow detection of debris indicating whether cleaning under anesthesia is needed or not.

Symptoms of ear disease are rubbing the head on the floor, odor, scratching the ears or shaking the head.

Prevention is not often possible, yet we can try a few things to prevent first time problems and recurrent infections. Do not allow your pet to swim in pools or canals.   Place cotton in the animal's ears when bathing. Both of these events can cause water in the ears which can lead to an infection. Also, keep the ears clean of hair..

The majority of ear infections involve a tremendous amount of debris in the bottom portion of the “L” making proper cleaning without anesthesia impossible.  Placing medication in a dirty canal will not allow the medication to contact the tissue in the bottom of the canal.  The patient may “get better” only to relapse in several weeks to months.  Cleaning of the ears with Q-Tips only packs debris tighter and further into the canal and should not be done.

Proper approach to ear disease is a must to prevent changes in the canal over time that make it even more difficult to treat.  Chronic cases with pain and production of tissue that occludes the can may result.  These cases may only respond to surgery

Ear infections are common, however if you are treating your pets ears on a continual basis that is an indication that you need to seek further treatment.  If your pet has any of the symptoms described or is on continual ear medication please see your veterinarian for proper diagnosis, cleaning and treatment.

	This is the INCORRECT method of cleaning the ears.  Proper cleaning can only be done with sedation.