Ear Infections, Canine - contd.

ClinicalSigns
Clinical signs can vary depending on the severity and location of the infection, but typical symptoms of otitis include pain and erythema of the pinna, head shaking and scratching of the ears, and purulent and malodorous exudate coming from the ear canal. The animal may tilt the affected ear downwards and may roll or lean to the affected side. If both sides are affected, the animal may be deaf or ataxic. Some animals may be nauseated, vomit, and have Horner's syndrome. Any neurological clinical signs indicate significant middle ear or inner ear disease.

Symptoms
Ears that are red, painful to the touch, and produce a foul-smelling discharge are symptomatic of otitis. Typically, a dog with an ear infection will scratch and shake the ears or may tilt the affected ear downwards. Animals that are affected more severely may show some neurological signs such as rolling or leaning to one side. If both ears are affected, the animal may be deaf or off balance and uncoordinated. Some animals may be nauseated and vomit. Also, some dogs may get a condition called Horner's syndrome in which the pupils are sized differently and the nictitating membrane is raised. This condition indicates that a nerve has been affected by the inflammation from the middle ear. Any neurological clinical signs indicate significant middle ear or inner ear disease.