Ear disease is one of the most common reasons for veterinary visits in dogs, and floppy-eared, hairy-eared and water-loving breeds face chronic welfare challenges from recurrent otitis.
Dogs with otitis experience painful, pruritic ears that cause head shaking, scratching and rubbing that may result in aural haematoma (blood blister in the ear flap). Chronic otitis that progresses to middle ear involvement causes significant pain and potential hearing loss. The condition significantly reduces quality of life for affected dogs who may be reluctant to have their heads touched.