Recurring Ear Problem Facts |
|
1. |
Most infections result from the overgrowth of normal resident organisms due to underlying predisposing factors |
a. |
Genetic (Cockers, breeds with narrow ear canals, breeds with haired ear canals) |
b. |
Allergies to food ingredients |
c. |
Atopy (Hay Fever - allergies to inhaled pollens, etc.) |
d. |
Other diseases such as Hypothyroidism, immunodeficiency, etc. |
2. |
Environment factors |
a. |
High humidity, swimming |
b. |
Improper or infrequent grooming |
3. |
Damage from previous infections |
a. |
Scar tissue, narrow canal, hyperplastic glandular tissue |
b. |
Ruptured ear drum, middle ear infection |
4. |
Tumors |
5. |
Ear mites are the only contagious disease affecting the ear canals and can be eliminated by appropriate treatment of all pets at home at the appropriate intervals |
6. |
The largest single cause of recurring ear problems is the failure to have the pet re-examined to make sure the original problem has completely resolved |
a. |
Complete resolution followed by relapse or incomplete resolution require a diligent search for underlying diseases and/or predisposing factors |
b. |
Symptoms appear AFTER the problem has started and disappear BEFORE the problem is completely resolved |
c. |
The intermittent use of a prescription ear medicine prescribed for the treatment of a specific problem at a specific time is a major cause of progressive and permanent damage to the ear |