Two potential long-term complications of inner ear infection include a permanently altered sense of balance and/or persistent signs of Horner’s syndrome. Your dog may also become permanently deaf in the affected ear . That said, most dogs with otitis interna respond well to medical management.
Can inner ear infections cause deafness?
Ear infections can sometimes cause hearing loss . This is due to inflammation and fluid buildup in the area behind the eardrum. Hearing loss from an ear infection is usually temporary. Once the ear infection starts to clear up, you’ll likely find that your hearing will begin to improve.
What happens if a dogs ear infection goes untreated?
Lapses in treatment can lead to recurrence in infection, so be sure to finish the full course of treatment. As mentioned earlier, untreated outer ear infections can lead to more serious middle and inner ear infections .
How long does it take for a dog to recover from an inner ear infection?
The altered sense of balance that generally accompanies otitis interna is typically improved within two to six weeks . Small dogs may recover their balance more quickly than large breeds.
Can a vet see an inner ear infection?
Veterinarians will examine the ear canal and can usually identify if inflammation is present within the ear canal. Your veterinarian will diagnose a middle or inner ear infection based on previous history and any present clinical signs.
Can ear infection cause deafness in dogs?
Ear infections, particularly the inner ear (otitis interna) can produce transient or permanent deafness . While the middle ear, otitis media, can experience sound blocking due to an infection, your dog’s body should eventually clear this out with hearing improvement.
When does an ear infection cause hearing loss?
Ear infections that happen again and again, or fluid in the middle ear, may lead to more-significant hearing loss. If there is some permanent damage to the eardrum or other middle ear structures , permanent hearing loss may occur.
Is hearing loss from an ear infection permanent?
Left untreated, middle ear infections can cause permanent hearing loss . When fluid sits on the eardrum for a length of time, it blocks or muffles sound. There may not be any virus or bacteria involved, but if the fluid gets infected, the eardrum might burst.
How can I treat my dogs ear infection without the inner vet?
Apple cider vinegar can help reduce the itch and discomfort of an ear infection. Mix 1 part vinegar and 1 part filtered or spring water. Clean the visible parts of the ear with a cotton ball soaked in the mixture. Make sure you get the liquid into the ear canal by holding your dog’s ear still.
What is End Stage ear disease in dogs?
End-Stage Ear Disease: Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment. Dogs that have long-standing ear infections may develop an irreversible disease of the ear canal . Due to chronic inflammation, the ear canal becomes very thickened and can turn into bone. As a result, the infection will not resolve with medications.
What will the vet give my dog for an ear infection?
They may use a medicated ear cleaner or apply a topical medication . In more severe cases, the vet may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or oral antibiotics for your pet. Your vet will likely prescribe a topical medication to your dog.
Can an inner ear infection cause seizures in dogs?
Often what looks like a seizure is not really a true seizure! Dogs with severe ear infections can shake vigorously and lose balance if the inner ear is affected . Dogs with heart conditions can have fainting spells that may resemble a seizure.
Can an ear infection cause neurological problems in dogs?
In some cases of middle and inner ear infection, facial nerve paralysis may occur , causing a drooping of the face and ear on the same side as a head tilt.
Can Zymox cause hearing loss?
Can Zymox Cause Deafness? No, Zymox cannot cause deafness . If you think your pet’s hearing is being affected, contact your vet immediately.
Can dogs hearing come back after ear infection?
Acquired deafness may result from blockage of the external ear canal due to longterm inflammation (otitis externa) or excessive ear wax. It may also occur due to a ruptured ear drum or inflammation of the middle or inner ear. Hearing usually returns after these types of conditions are resolved .
What can cause sudden hearing loss in dogs?
What are the causes of deafness in dogs? Deafness may be caused by a number of factors, including congenital defects, chronic ear infections, head injuries, drug toxicity, degenerative nerve changes, old age or disease, such as a tumor or ruptured ear drum .
Can a vet tell if a dog is deaf?
Your vet may also test your dog’s hearing by stepping quietly behind your dog and clapping loudly to see if there is any response . Certain veterinary specialists can perform the Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response (BAER) Test. This is the most reliable method for determining deafness in dogs.
How do you get rid of muffled hearing from ear infection?
- Remove a blockage. When a blockage causes muffled hearing, removing the obstruction may reverse hearing loss. ...
- Antibiotics. ...
- Decongestant. ...
- Surgery. ...
- Hearing aids.
Can a virus cause hearing loss in one ear?
Viruses typically cause sensorineural hearing loss, however, conductive and mixed hearing losses can occur as a result of infection. Hearing loss from a virus can be mild to profound, unilateral, or bilateral .
How long can temporary hearing loss last?
Hearing loss and tinnitus can occur in one or both ears. Sometimes exposure to impulse or continuous loud noise causes a temporary hearing loss that disappears 16 to 48 hours later.
