Some of the more common causes are ear mites, bacteria, allergies or improper drainage of water that becomes trapped during bathing or swimming. Animals with long floppy ears are more prone to infection because the area inside the ear canal stays warm, dark and moist, which is the perfect environment for infection. Signs of ear infections include scratching at the ears and frequent head shaking. The ears are often very red in appearence and this is usually accompanied by a foul smelling discharge. If ear infections are not treated promptly, the infection often becomes chronic, which means it tends to recur or never totally clears up.
Recurrent infections cause the tissue in the ear canal to become thick and rough.
This often severely impairs hearing and can cause deafness. Middle and inner ear infections occur when an infection of the throat or tonsils goes untreated and spreads. With these conditions the outer ear often appears normal. The treatment for ear infections varies with the type and location. Antibiotics are usually required as are ear washes and topical medication.