What are the causes of ear disease?
Otitis Externa usually occurs due to an underlying cause. Getting to the bottom of such a cause can be fundamental in the treatment of the ear disease. Common causes of ear disease are ear conformation, ear environment, allergies, foreign bodies and trauma. Any one of these causes can set up a secondary infection in the ear. Successful treatment is directed at both the secondary infection and the underlying cause. • Ear conformation: The canine ear canal is unlike the short horizontal one of humans, and instead has both a vertical and horizontal portion. This bend in the canal results in moisture and debris getting trapped and being unable to drain. Some breeds of dog are more susceptible to infection, e.g. those with pendulous ears such as Cocker Spaniels. • Ear environment. Excessive moisture within the ear canal, for example due to over-zealous cleaning or swimming, can encourage bacterial and yeast growth. Excessive hair in the ear canal can also act to trap moisture and debris. •
