Prevention and Control Strategy

Ear diseases are considered as one of the common disorders in small animal practice and the number one cause for veterinary visits among dog owners. Commonly reported clinical signs in dogs with ear disease were scratching or pawing at the ear, otitis, head tilting, head shaking, strong and unpleasant odour from the ears, abnormal ear discharges and pain evincing while palpation of ears. These ear infections can cause significant discomfort to the dogs as well as occurrence of recurrence. The first step in the control and prevention of ear infections is to identify the primary and/ or perpetuating factors. Followed by regular cleaning of the ears to facilitate the removal of debris, exudates, microbes and foreign bodies. In already existing ear diseases, to prevent further extension of the infection systemic and topical antimicrobial therapy is advised. Selection of the antibiotic must be based on the antibiotic sensitivity test in recurrent ear diseases, with the required dosage and duration of therapy. Most of the ear diseases, the combination of systemic and topical antimicrobial therapy along with steroids is advised to control the inflammation of the ear canal. In the case of ectoparasitic infestations, regular control measures are to be taken care of further by utilizing localized or generalized ectoparasiticidal drugs. Dogs who were allergic to grasses, trees and weeds should not allow for swimming in ponds and as a preventive measure always ear plugs should be applied while swimming and cleaning the ears with ear cleansers which will contain acetic acid. Dogs with Malassezia pachydermatis are more prone to the development of ear infections specifically dog breeds with high skin fold packets and it can be prevented by regular bathing with medicated shampoo containing the ketoconazole and chlorhexidine. Early diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, sebaceous gland tumour and basal cell tumour should be carried out by cytology and diagnostic imaging techniques. To maintain the immunity of the skin, nutrition supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are advised.. To help prevent the recurrence of dermatological or ear diseases, it is recommended to provide food containing probiotics, essential amino acids, fatty acids, magnesium, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin and zinc. These nutrients play important roles in maintaining healthy skin and ear function, supporting the immune system, and reducing the likelihood of recurrent issues. Dogs with a history of atopic dermatitis can be offered a hypo-allergic diet and immunotherapy to prevent further development of ear infections. Breeds with floppy ears are more prone to ear diseases because of the presence of predisposing factors like floppy ears, hairy ear canal openings, perpetuating factors like easily inflammable ear canal glands and other common primary factors like high moisture and humidity. It can be controlled by frequent ear examinations, drying of the ears and early diagnosis of other dermatological issues. Dogs with endocrine disorders like hyperadrenocorticism and hypothyroidism can develop ear diseases more frequently than other dogs because these diseases can alter the dog’s immunity, causing the thinning of the skin which is more susceptible to skin and ear infections.