Prevention and Control Strategy
Authors: Reddy Bhavanam Sudhakara , Sivajothi Sirigireddy , Swetha Kambala 
Published: January 2025

Ear diseases are considered as one of the common disorders in small animal
practice and the number one cause for veterinary visits among dog owners. Commonly
reported clinical signs in dogs with ear disease were scratching or pawing at the ear,
otitis, head tilting, head shaking, strong and unpleasant odour from the ears, abnormal
ear discharges and pain evincing while palpation of ears. These ear infections can cause
significant discomfort to the dogs as well as occurrence of recurrence. The first step in
the control and prevention of ear infections is to identify the primary and/ or
perpetuating factors. Followed by regular cleaning of the ears to facilitate the removal
of debris, exudates, microbes and foreign bodies. In already existing ear diseases, to
prevent further extension of the infection systemic and topical antimicrobial therapy is
advised. Selection of the antibiotic must be based on the antibiotic sensitivity test in
recurrent ear diseases, with the required dosage and duration of therapy. Most of the
ear diseases, the combination of systemic and topical antimicrobial therapy along with
steroids is advised to control the inflammation of the ear canal. In the case of
ectoparasitic infestations, regular control measures are to be taken care of further by
utilizing localized or generalized ectoparasiticidal drugs. Dogs who were allergic to
grasses, trees and weeds should not allow for swimming in ponds and as a preventive
measure always ear plugs should be applied while swimming and cleaning the ears
with ear cleansers which will contain acetic acid. Dogs with Malassezia pachydermatis
are more prone to the development of ear infections specifically dog breeds with high
skin fold packets and it can be prevented by regular bathing with medicated shampoo
containing the ketoconazole and chlorhexidine. Early diagnosis of adenocarcinoma,
sebaceous gland tumour and basal cell tumour should be carried out by cytology and
diagnostic imaging techniques. To maintain the immunity of the skin, nutrition
supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, linoleic acid,
eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid are advised.. To help prevent the
recurrence of dermatological or ear diseases, it is recommended to provide food
containing probiotics, essential amino acids, fatty acids, magnesium, pantothenic acid,
pyridoxine, biotin and zinc. These nutrients play important roles in maintaining healthy
skin and ear function, supporting the immune system, and reducing the likelihood of
recurrent issues. Dogs with a history of atopic dermatitis can be offered a hypo-allergic
diet and immunotherapy to prevent further development of ear infections. Breeds with floppy ears are more prone to ear diseases because of the presence of predisposing
factors like floppy ears, hairy ear canal openings, perpetuating factors like easily
inflammable ear canal glands and other common primary factors like high moisture and
humidity. It can be controlled by frequent ear examinations, drying of the ears and
early diagnosis of other dermatological issues. Dogs with endocrine disorders like
hyperadrenocorticism and hypothyroidism can develop ear diseases more frequently
than other dogs because these diseases can alter the dog’s immunity, causing the
thinning of the skin which is more susceptible to skin and ear infections.