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Otitis Otitis is inflammation of the ear, otitis externa is inflammation of the outer ear canal, otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear, and otitis interna is inflammation of the inner ear. Otitis Externa Inflammation of the external ear canal occurs frequently in response to infection with various forms of bacteria, parasites (mites), and yeast. Foreign bodies such as grass seeds also commonly become lodged in the ear canal. The normal clinical presentation is scratching and head shaking, the ear may have a waxy or purulent discharge. Treatment can be carried out with topical anti-inflammatories, insecticides, antibiotics or antifungal drugs as required. Most cases will be treated with a product containing a combination of drugs such as 'Surolan' or 'Otomax'. Those cases which respond poorly to treatment should have the ears swabbed and bacterial and yeast culture carried out to identify the offending organism and allow specific tailored therapy based on the sensitivity of that organism. Sedation and flushing of the ear canal to remove debris may be appropriate in some cases. Otitis Media and Interna. Inflammation of the middle or inner ear can produce head shaking and pawing/scratching at the ear, and occasionally a head tilt, with no obvious inflammation or discharge visible in the outer ear canal. The inflammation can also affect some of the adjacent nerves causing drooping of the lip or ear and protrusion of a membrane across the eye called the 3rd eyelid. In cases of inner ear involvement balance and coordination can be affected. X-rays may be required to diagnose the problem since ear examination may reveal only a normal outer ear canal. Treatment with antibiotics to clear underlying infection should be instituted. Flushing of the middle ear under sedation can be carried out but does involve some risk of damage to the structures within the middle and inner ear. |
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