Two of the most common pet health problems are eye infections and ear infections. Either one can make your dog or cat miserable. Fortunately, they can be successfully treated with help from your veterinarian. Our team at Thornapple Veterinary Medical Center in Middleville would like to look at what you need to know about eye and ear infections in pets.
Causes of Pet Eye and Ear Infections
Ear and eye infections can be caused by many things, such as injuries, tumors, parasites, a small object like a grass seed, allergies, bacteria, fungus, and some diseases, like Lyme disease. Pet disease prevention with vaccines helps not only to protect your pets from contagious and incurable diseases but also some forms of ear and eye infections.
Signs of Pet Eye Infections
Pets with eye infections squint or keep their eyes closed. The third eye may be constantly visible. The eye may be red, swollen, and leaking a discharge that is thin and clear or thick and smelly. Pets will constantly rub their eyes or rub their whole heads against the carpet. Since they become light-sensitive, they may hide. They may snap or scratch when you try to touch their heads.
Signs of Pet Ear Infections
Pets with ear infections scratch their ears and shake their heads constantly. The ears may be red, swollen, bleeding, or have crust. There may be a thick, dark discharge that smells like fruit. Pets may also experience balance issues, or tilt their heads to one side. They may also start walking in circles.
A Tip for Owners of Dogs with Long, Floppy Ears
Breeds like Bassett hounds, bloodhounds, beagles, and Labradoodles are known for, among other things, their ears. Those long, floppy ears that hug close to the head are cute but come at a price. Not enough air circulation gets to the inner ears to dry them out. This makes the inner ears constantly wet, making them ripe for infection. Now and then, flip the ears so that air can get to the ears to dry them out. Ask for more tips from your veterinarian during your dog’s wellness checkups.
Treatment for Pet Eye and Ear Infections
Treatment always begins with a hands-on examination. Samples of the discharge may be taken to look under the microscope for further testing. When a diagnosis is reached, pets are prescribed ear drops, eye drops, ointments, other drugs, and, if necessary, antibiotics. Sometimes, surgery is needed, such as if a grass seed has become lodged deep in a pet’s ear canal.
Contact Our Veterinarians in Middleville, MI
If you have questions about how you can prevent ear and eye infections in your pet and live in the Middleville area, contact Thornapple Veterinary Medical Center to speak with one of our veterinarians. Call Dr. Stockley and Dr. Knopp today at (269) 795-3347 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.