So, it’s one of the most common things we see in veterinary practice at this time of year. Generally, more common in dogs than cats and often related to hay fever type allergies leading to secondary infection. However, a sudden ear irritation can be due to something like a grass seed finding its way into the ear.
Ear pain is really uncomfortable but can usually be easily treated.
We always need to look down an ear before treating to rule out a foreign object and check that the small membrane (tympanic membrane) is intact before putting anything down the ear (as drops/cleaners can cause a problem with the inner ear if the membrane has ruptured). Ear problems are always best treated early as with time the ear canal changes and thickens which can lead to surgery being needed.
Signs of an ear problem are: smell from the ear, scratching the ear, rubbing the head on the floor and a head tilt to one side.
Ear bugs like warm, moist environments and we often see more recurrent problems in breeds such as Cocker Spaniels where air struggles to circulate the ear (and also the thick coat of the spaniel breed tend to really attract grass seeds). There are however some fantastic new treatments around that help clear these problems quickly and enable your pet to get back to enjoying the summertime.
Lucy Travers BVSc CertAVP MRCVS Highfields Vets