Dog Ear Disease and Chronic Otitis

Chronic ear disease is one of the most common and painful conditions in dogs, often requiring long-term management and addressing underlying primary causes.

Key Facts

Otitis externa affects up to 20% of dogs presenting to veterinary clinics
Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, and dogs with floppy ears are predisposed
Primary causes include allergies, foreign bodies, and endocrine disease
Chronic otitis can progress to middle and inner ear disease causing neurological signs
Total ear canal ablation (TECA) is a surgical last resort for end-stage ear disease

Welfare Considerations

Chronic ear disease causes persistent pain, head shaking, and scratching that significantly impacts quality of life. Poorly controlled otitis is a major cause of chronic pain in companion animals. Dogs with painful ears often become head-shy or reactive during ear handling, causing welfare problems and making treatment difficult. Addressing underlying primary causes rather than just treating secondary infections and inflammation is essential for effective long-term welfare management.

What You Can Do

Seek veterinary allergy investigation if your dog has recurrent ear infections
Clean ears only as directed by your vet - over-cleaning damages the ear canal
Follow through the full treatment course for ear infections to prevent relapse
Ensure ear cytology is performed to guide appropriate antibiotic choice
Discuss surgical options with a specialist if medical management is failing