Condition10 connections · 4 sources
Otitis Externa
Otitis externa is inflammation or infection of the external ear canal. It is extremely common in dogs due to the J-shaped ear canal structure that traps debris and wax.
Key Facts
- Dog ear canal has vertical and horizontal components (J-shape); debris must work upward to exit
- Most common underlying cause: allergic skin disease (atopic dermatitis, food allergies)
- Other causes: ear mites, foreign bodies (foxtails), excess hair growth (poodles, schnauzers)
- Signs: scratching, head shaking, dropped ear, discharge, odor
- Three treatment levels: simple cleaning + medication, culture for chronic cases, surgery for end-stage
- Chronic infection leads to ear canal thickening, mineralization, and middle ear involvement
- Premature treatment discontinuation is a common cause of recurrence
- Do not insert cotton swabs into the ear canal
- Species: dogs and cats
Connections (10)
Related Conditions
Allergic ReactionCondition
Allergies are the most common underlying cause
Aural HematomaCondition
Ear infections cause the scratching/shaking that leads to hematomas
Ear MitesCondition
Ear mites are a common cause of ear infections
Environmental AllergiesCondition
Allergic inflammation compromises the ear canal environment, promoting secondary infections.
Malassezia OtitisCondition
Malassezia is a major secondary cause of ear infection
Nasopharyngeal PolypsCondition
— associated ear infection
Vestibular DiseaseCondition
Middle ear infection can cause vestibular signs