Infectious diseases

Perforated Eardrum in Dogs

 
Josie F. Turner
By Josie F. Turner, Journalist specialized in Animal Welfare. Updated: August 29, 2024
Perforated Eardrum in Dogs
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Our dogs' ears are very sensitive to lesions. An otitis can cause our pet to go through a very important decay and anorexia due to pain and discomfort.

Otitis externa can cause a perforated eardrum due to secretion and inflammation of the ear canal. The medical treatment varies according to whether or not the tympanic membrane is found and a complete diagnosis must be made.

In this AnimalWised article we will know the symptoms and treatment of a perforated eardrum in dogs. Keep reading:

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Contents
  1. What exactly is the eardrum? Are there several types of otitis in dogs?
  2. Causes and symptoms of perforated eardrum in dogs
  3. Treatment for perforated eardrum in dogs
  4. Prevention for perforated eardrum and otitis in dogs

What exactly is the eardrum? Are there several types of otitis in dogs?

The dog's ear is divided into three parts: outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. The eardrum is the tympanic membrane that separates the auricular and outer ear from the middle and inner ear, its function being the transmission of sound.

The ear is an organ susceptible to inflammation and infection and this causes what is known as otitis. Due to these three structures, external and internal otitis can be classified. Otitis externa is the most common; however, it can evolve into an otitis media or internal otitis if the infection goes through the eardrum.

If the tympanic cavity or vestibular organ, two parts of the inner ear are affected, there is a risk of nervous symptoms, since the vestibular system controls balance. In addition, an infection can pass into the meninges that line the central nervous system, inflaming them, and causing meningitis.

Perforated Eardrum in Dogs - What exactly is the eardrum? Are there several types of otitis in dogs?

Causes and symptoms of perforated eardrum in dogs

Here are some causes that can lead to tympanic perforation or perforated eardrum :

  • Sudden changes in atmospheric pressure.
  • Severe injuries.
  • Recurrent infections of the ear canal. This is the most common cause of otitis externa in dogs.
  • Foreign bodies such as foxtails, hairs, seeds, etc.

The symptoms that we will notice in our dogs if they have a perforated eardrum are: hearing loss, lateralization of the head, abnormal secretion oozing from the ear, bad smell and neurological signs like facial paralysis or vestibular syndrome. This is a very painful process, which is why we will notice our dog complaining when we touch their ears and even their mouth.

Our veterinarian should perform a thorough examination of both ears under sedation in almost all cases due to the great pain the dog will be undergoing.

Treatment for perforated eardrum in dogs

The initial approach to this lesion is based on the otitis solution, since the eardrum will regenerate progressively. Under sedation, the veterinarian will perform a lavage of the dog's canal with warm, under pressure saline solution .

Your dog should be cytologically analyzed and cultured to select the appropriate antibiotic treatment, both systemic and topical. Your veterinarian will take ototoxic antibiotics into account during treatment too.

Topical and systemic anti-inflammatories should also be used to reduce auditory canal pain and inflammation. In addition, the primary cause will be eliminated in the case of foreign bodies. The healing process will take a few weeks and it will heal completely.

Surgery is only indicated in certain cases, for example in antibiotic resistant otitis. A resection of the lateral auditory canal is undergone so that the horizontal canal is more accessible to the drugs and the eardrum is oxygenated better, helping in its regeneration.

Perforated Eardrum in Dogs - Treatment for perforated eardrum in dogs

Prevention for perforated eardrum and otitis in dogs

The best way to prevent this disease is to regularly check our dog's ears. Do not forget to keep in mind the following points:

  1. Regular cleaning of both ears with a frequently used optical cleaner is recommended
  2. After their baths we have to ensure that there is no water left in the ear canal
  3. When we take them for a walk around areas with spikes or foxtails, you should watch that they does not get some caught on their fur and carry them back home.
  4. Make sure your vet reviews your dog's ears with the otoscope during regular check-ups
  5. Control primary diseases (atopy, endocrinopathies, etc.)

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Perforated Eardrum in Dogs, we recommend you visit our Infectious diseases category.

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Perforated Eardrum in Dogs