Medical Treatments for Ear Disease

 

Ear disease can include the outer, middle and inner ear.   Some dogs and cats are more susceptible to ear infections due to breed, allergies (atophy) or the confirmation of the ears. Chronic ear problems can also cause destruction of the cells in the ears leading to a reduced diameter of the ear canal.  This causes bacteria and wax to be entrapped in the ear. 

It is very important to perform routine ear cleanings and to treat ear infections promptly. Chronic ear infections often cause permanent abnormalities in the ear canal which can lead to resistant infections or requirement for surgical treatment.

Below is a detailed description of the differences in ear cleaning products:

There are 5 types of Ear cleaning products: 

1) Ceruminolytic (Wax destroying) agents 

2) Cleaning and drying agents  

3) Antiseptics  

4) Antimicrobials (Anti fungal/ Antibiotic)  

5) Steroids  

(The ear should always be examined by a veterinarian before starting to use cleaning products to make sure the tympanic membrane is intact. Many products are contraindicated if the membrane is ruptured)

Ceruminolytics –   Removes wax and purulent discharge caused by bacterial infection in outer ear disease.  They should be massaged into the ear for 10 minutes.  Products with DSS and propylene glycol are well tolerated.     

PetVet Suggested Meds: 

Cerumene- safest ceruminolytic

Ear cleaners and drying agents-These are great for daily cleaning or as used as needed. Cleaners may be used after a ceruminolytic or as needed for dogs with chronic ear problems.  These agents are great in dogs that swim often or receive frequent baths.  The drying agent is usually an alcohol base which helps to prevent swimmers ears or infection from moisture.  Filled the ear for 1 minute, then allow your pet to shake their head and the external ear can be wiped with a cotton ball.   

PetVet Suggested meds: 

Epiotic – A safe excellent product used as a cleaner/ dryer and anti- bacterial/ anti- yeast.  It was proven in clinical trials to cure 68% of bacterial and yeast infections within 2 weeks of use.   

Topical antiseptics – Antiseptics should be placed in the ears last after using a ceruminolytic and cleaner/ dryer solution. These antibiotic agents usually contain acetic acid or chlorhexidine.   

Acetic acid at 5% kills bacteria such as staphylococcus and streptococcus within 5 min of contact.  These should be placed in the ears last after the cleaner and drying solution is used.   

Chlorahexidine is a cheap and effective solution used to clean ears as well as wounds.  It kills both types of bacteria (gram positive and gram negative) but does not have an effect on Pseudomonas (generally associated with very severe ear infections).   

PetVet suggested-  

Hexadene flush (virbac)-  especially approved for ears 

Generic chlorahexidine- A good all around antiseptic that can be used in ear infection or infected wounds of the skin.  Caution: do not place in the eyes or use in patients with a ruptured tympanic membranes.