It is not unusual for your pet to get ear infections. Common causes include ear mites, allergies, excessive hair growth inside the ear, yeast or bacteria in the ear, and an abundance of ear wax. If your pet could be suffering from an ear infection, it is important to take it to one of our veterinarians as soon as possible, so it doesn’t lead to bigger health issues. Our team at Stave Lake Veterinary Hospital in Mission are experts at treating pets with ear infections.
Could Your Dog or Cat Have an Ear Infection?
As a responsible pet owner, you should keep an eye out for the signs that your pet has an ear infection. Symptoms to watch out for include:
- Your pet begins to constantly shake its head or scratch at the ear.
- The ear is emitting a strong odor.
- The ears appear red or inflamed.
- There is swelling around the ear.
- There is a yellow or green discharge coming out of the ear.
- Your cat or dog is whimpering because of pain or discomfort.
If you see any of these signs, you should schedule an appointment for your pet at Stave Lake Veterinary Hospital. We can quickly diagnose and treat your pet.
How We Treat Ear Infections in Pets
When you bring your pet to Stave Lake Veterinary Hospital, we will diagnosis the ear infection by first visually assessing the ear. We will then use an otoscope to examine the animal’s ear canal and eardrum. If necessary, we will swab the ear to examine samples of the infection.
If your pet has an ear infection, treatment will begin right away. We will start by using a medical cleaner to thoroughly clean your cat or dog’s ear. We may also prescribe this medication so you can clean your animal’s ear at home. If the infection is severe, we will prescribe oral medication.
All in all, it could take one to two weeks for your pet’s ear infection to clear up. Once your pet has been treated, it may be necessary to return to the clinic for a follow-up appointment. If your pet has chronic ear infections, it may be necessary to return for a biopsy for further testing.
Treatment for Pet Ear Infection in Mission, B.C. If you think your pet may be suffering from an ear infection, bring it to see one of our qualified veterinarians at Stave Lake Veterinary Hospital. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today at (604) 286-0160.