Diagnosis of Canine Ear Diseases

A diagnosis is an easily made determination in cases of otitis externa.  Persistent ear infections often lead to the exploitation of other measures of diagnosing the problem.  The longer the infection has gone on, the longer it will take to clear up, especially if it has reached the middle or inner ear.  Severe or on-going infections may require further treatment or surgery for a successful outcome.

A veterinarian can use a diagnostic tool, called an otoscope to inspect the patient’s ear canals.  If the dog is not amenable to this treatment, sedation may be necessary to obtain bacterial specimens, therefore allowing a complete analysis of the infection.

In cases where a discharge is present, cytology testing can be performed to determine the type of bacteria.  A culture and susceptibility test can also be run.  This test aids the veterinarian in making a determination of the cause; bacterial or fungal.  Information obtained from testing allows the veterinarian to choose the most appropriate course of action.

Ear discharge can be examined under a microscope to check for the presence of ear mites or a yeast infection.  If the infection has extended as far as the middle or inner ear, radiographs can be used to assist in the diagnosis.