Canine Earmites
My dog
shakes her head all the time. I thought she had ear mites and bought ear
mite medication at the local pet store. I used it for 2 weeks but she is
still shaking her head all the time. Is this serious
Earmites may be causing your dog's discomfort. However several other possibilities must also be considered. She may have an ear infection or foreign material in her ear. She may be shaking due to an eye problem, inner ear infection, fleas or other causes. Your veterinarian can best determine the origin of her problem by a thorough physical examination, including a deep otoscopic exam.
Earmites live in the environment and infest a dog's ear canal when the dog rolls in the grass, or wind carries the mites to the ear. The live in the superficial skin of the canal, causing irritation and damage. Infections may follow if left untreated. The mites are fragile, and are killed by mineral oil, oil based ear ointments or insecticidal earmite medicine. Even when only one ear is suspected infested, both should be treated. Treatment is usually five drops twice daily for one week, then repeated once every three to four days. Even though the mites are killed easily by medicating, they return quickly by re-invading from the environment. The ears should be cleaned thoroughly after treatment is finished.
Foreign bodies, such as fox tails, insects and burrs may bother the ear canal, and can cause severe infections. Your veterinarian can scope deep down the ear canal and remove such objects.
Infections, bacterial and fungal, are common secondary problems to mites and foreign bodies, or they may be primary problems. Cultures, topical ointments, systemic antibiotics and/or ear disinfectant cleaners may be necessary for recovery.
If your dog seems severely affected, or if a mild problem persists more than a few days without improvement, you shouldn't hesitate to visit your veterinarian
Return to Petsdoc.com home page
Return to Ask the Vet Index page
