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Ear infection

Hi there! We are sorry you are here but we’re happy to help. Ear infections are no fun. Pets are often uncomfortable, itchy and downright miserable. Ear infections that are left untreated or come on quickly can be very painful and lead to complications such as aural hematoma, rupture of the ear drum, and hearing changes. Review the below information to learn about how you can detect an ear infection in your pet, how to help your pet’s comfort and when to see a professional.

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Head shaking

Odor and/or discharge from the ear

Redness and/or pain of the ear

Swelling of the ear flap

Drooping of the ear

Guarding the ear

They do not want you to touch it!

A head tilt

Incoordination or wobbly gait

Incoordination or wobbly gait (ataxia)

Rhythmic movement of the eyes

Rhythmic movement of the eyes (nystagmus)

Drooping of the face and ear

Lethargic or refusing food?

More systemic signs such as not wanting to eat or lethargy

Head shaking

Odor and/or discharge from the ear

Redness and/or pain of the ear

Swelling of the ear flap

Drooping of the ear

Guarding the ear

They do not want you to touch it!

A head tilt

Incoordination or wobbly gait

Incoordination or wobbly gait (ataxia)

Rhythmic movement of the eyes

Rhythmic movement of the eyes (nystagmus)

Drooping of the face and ear

Lethargic or refusing food?

More systemic signs such as not wanting to eat or lethargy

Does your pet need Urgent Care?

Yes! Ear infections should be treated quickly to help prevent complications and to get your pet comfortable as soon as possible.

Here’s what you can do at home...

Gently clean ear.

If your pet is not too painful you can gently clean the ear with a commercial pet specific ear cleaner or saline. Wipe the outer portion and flap only.

Do not use a Q-tip.

Never use a Q-tip or anything else to clean down in the canal. This can be painful and cause the infection to get pushed further into the canal.

Add ear protection if needed.

If they are flapping the ears and they have started to swell, you can place a head wrap to prevent hematoma formation.

Ear Cytology

We take a sample from the ear canal with a cotton swab and look at it under the microscope. We are looking for the type of infection that may be present (yeast or bacteria or both).

Culture

Sometimes infections can be hard to treat. A culture can help your Scout veterinarian know exactly what to use to help your pet.

Topical Medications

Most infections are treated with topical medications placed directly in the ear. This gets the treatment right to the source quickly.

Oral Medications

Sometimes the ear canal is too closed off to get treatment topically. Other times the middle and/or inner ear is also affected. In this case your Scout veterinarian may recommend oral medications in addition to or instead of topical treatments.

Pain Medications

Sometimes treating the infection itself is all that is needed to improve comfort. Other times, your pet may require additional pain medications at the beginning of treatment.

Follow Up Appointments

Often times, your Scout veterinarian will recommend that you follow up to ensure the infection is fully treated. If you have a primary care veterinarian that you normally see, you can choose to see them or come back to see Scout.

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Lincoln Park

2369 N Lincoln Ave,
Chicago, IL 60614

773-245-3108

Next Available Appointment:
Today (1/16/25)
@ 11:15 AM CST

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West Loop

112 N. May St.
Chicago, IL 60607

773-249-2221

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@ 5:15 AM CST

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Old Orchard

9410-A Skokie Blvd.
Skokie, IL 60077

847-603-2927

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@ 7:15 AM CST

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Wheaton

1962 S. Naperville Rd.
Wheaton, Il 60189

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