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Otitis Externa

Otitis externa is inflammation or infection of the external ear canal. It is extremely common in dogs due to the J-shaped ear canal structure that traps debris and wax.

Key Facts

  • Dog ear canal has vertical and horizontal components (J-shape); debris must work upward to exit
  • Most common underlying cause: allergic skin disease (atopic dermatitis, food allergies)
  • Other causes: ear mites, foreign bodies (foxtails), excess hair growth (poodles, schnauzers)
  • Signs: scratching, head shaking, dropped ear, discharge, odor
  • Three treatment levels: simple cleaning + medication, culture for chronic cases, surgery for end-stage
  • Chronic infection leads to ear canal thickening, mineralization, and middle ear involvement
  • Premature treatment discontinuation is a common cause of recurrence
  • Do not insert cotton swabs into the ear canal
  • Species: dogs and cats

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