Ear infections, or otitis, are a common problem in dogs.  Painful, itchy ears can cause a decrease in quality of life, odor, hearing loss, and behavior changes.

Clinical signs:

• Redness
• Itchiness
• Odor
• Pain
• Discharge

Because there are many possible causes of ear infections, it is important to have a veterinarian evaluate the dog before starting ear medicine.

Factors in ear infections:

• Bacterial infections
• Yeast overgrowth
• Atopy – allergies to pollen, mold, dust mites
• Anatomy – narrow ear canals, pendulous ear pinnas – warm, humid ear canal
• Food allergies
• Swimming
• Breed predilection (e.g. Cocker Spaniels)
• Thyroid condition (hypothyroidism)
• Ear mites, flies, other mites
• Ear tumors
• Ear foreign bodies

Diagnosis is made by history, physical examination, and otoscopic examination.  Other tests can include ear cytology, ear culture and sensitivity, blood chemistry tests, thyroid tests, and allergy tests.

Left untreated, ear infections can progress to chronic changes in the ear canal, pain, deafness, and infection of the middle and inner ear.

Common medications used for ear infections in dogs include Osurnia, Mometamax, Animax, Quadritop, Tresaderm, Revolution, prednisone, Apoquel, cetirizine, diphenhydramine, Simplicef, Baytril, Zeniquin, and others.

For more information or if you believe your dog or cat might have an ear infection, please call us.

Evesham Veterinary Clinic

Marlton, NJ 08053

(856) 983-9440

The post Ear Infections in Dogs appeared first on Evesham Veterinary Clinic.

Hypothyroidism is a disease caused by insufficient thyroid hormone production.  The thyroid gland is located in the neck, on either side of the trachea.  It produces two hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).  Thyroid hormones affect the rate of metabolism in most of the tissues in the body.  Thyroid hormone deficiency leads to illness.

Clinical Signs

• Weight gain
• Skin infections
• Ear infections
• Lethargy
• Dull, brittle hair coat
• Cold intolerance
• Reproductive problems
• Neurologic problems

Any breed may be affected, although Golden Retrievers and Doberman Pinschers are at increased risk.

Hypothyroidism usually affects dogs over three years old.

Diagnosis is made by blood tests, often of a Total T4 along with blood chemistry tests and a complete blood count to rule out other illnesses.  Sometimes a Free T4 test may be added.

Treatment is by supplementation with synthetic thyroid hormone.  Levothyroxine (L-thyroxine), also known by the brand names Soloxine and Synthroid, is effective, safe, and readily available.  Improvement is usually seen within 1-2 weeks, though it can take up to 8 weeks for dermatological problems to improve.

Often the dose needs to be adjusted after the first month or two, and it is important to follow up with rechecks.  After that most dogs do well with yearly rechecks.

Greyhounds are a breed known to have low physiologic Total T4 levels.  The significance of this is unclear, and most do not need to be treated.

Evesham Veterinary Clinic

Marlton, NJ 08053

(856) 983-9440

The post Hypothyroidism in Dogs appeared first on Evesham Veterinary Clinic.