Ear Infections in Pets
Ear infections can be painful for pets and become worse if not treated on time. At Arrow Animal Hospital in Los Lucas, NM, we understand this can be stressful for owners and their furry friends. We are a full-service veterinarian clinic staffed with caring veterinarians that can provide treatment so that the infections don’t lead to serious matters like matters like blood infection and hearing loss. To learn more about ear infections, we invite you to keep reading below.
What Is an Ear Infection?
An ear infection is an overgrowth of bacteria or yeast inside the ear. The infection can occur in the outer, middle, or inner ear. The latter is usually a result of an untreated outer ear infection, however, any type requires treatment by our veterinarians.
Causes of Pet Ear Infections
Several factors can lead to an ear infection in your pet, including:
- Allergies
- Ear mites
- Fleas
- Wax buildup
- Skin conditions
- Excessive ear cleaning
- Exposure to water
- Breed type
Symptoms of Ear Infections
Your pet may have an ear infection if they exhibit one or more of the symptoms below:
- Excessive scratching
- Rubbing their face
- Yellow, brown, or bloody discharge
- Head shaking
- Redness in or around the ear
- Swelling
- Vomiting
- Hearing loss
Diagnosing a Pet Ear Infection
If your pet is experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms, a visit to our vet will help provide a clear diagnosis. Our veterinarians will examine your pet's inner ear with an instrument known as an otoscope, which will allow us see deeply within the ear canal. We may also take a swab that will be analyzed for bacteria and fungus. If needed, we will provide anesthesia to keep your pet comfortable and prevent pain during the exam.
Treatment for Eat Infection
If our vets determine your pet has an ear infection, we will prescribe a topical antibiotic in the form of ear drops. We may also recommend an anti-inflammatory to help relieve the pain. In more serious cases, your cat or dog may need to be sedated so that our vets can pet may have to be put under so our vet can flush out the ear.
Contact us for Treatment Today
If your pet has an ear infection, our team at Arrow Animal Hospital in Los Lucas, NM, would be happy to help. We will examine your furry friend and provide them with treatment that can alleviate their discomfort and prevent earwax buildup. Contact us at (505) 865-1826 to schedule an appointment with one of our veterinarians. We look forward to helping your pet stay happy and healthy!