The first key is to recognize that the ear itself may not be the most significant underlying problem causing the infection.
Almost every pet with an ear infection also has skin allergies. The skin of the ear canal becomes inflamed and itchy from the allergies. The ears may be so ulcerated and inflamed that the pet needs cortisone or pain medication before, or along with other medications.
The normal oils of the ear canal cause it to be resistant to yeast and bacteria. General allergies and inflammation of the skin of the ear canal causes a change in the chemistry of the ear oils, allowing the ear canal to become susceptible to infection, from the bacteria and yeast that normally inhabit the skin and fur around the ear opening.
A microscopic examination of cells obtained from an ear canal helps the doctor to decide what medication would be most effective in treating the ear. The Countryside staff will administer the first treatment and will demonstrate how to continue the home treatments.
If a pet has itchy skin and otitis, then one of the first considerations will be to treat the allergies along with treating the ears. Countryside doctors will discuss with you the likely source for your pet’s allergies and the best options for your pet.
Our doctor’s usually recommend a combination of medications, along with an antibacterial/anti yeast shampoo for a comprehensive plan of treating this painful condition.
