Ear Infection

17.3.1 Ear Infection An ear infection is called otitis. A severe ear infection that has spread to the inner ear often causes the animal to tilt its head. Animals with inner ear infections are often alert and will usually eat and drink. See Chapter 20.

Control of ear mites is important for the prevention of ear infections - especially in rabbits. See Chapter 9. Injuries and bites from other insects can also cause ear infections. It is important to treat simple ear infections before they spread deep into the ear.

Symptoms:

 Animals with infected ears often shake their heads and scratch their ears.

 Pus or blood may come from the ear.

 In severe infections, the head becomes tilted.

 There may be a fever.

Diagnosis: Based on symptoms.

Treatment:

For simple infections (the head is not tilted)

 Clean the outer ear with a diluted disinfectant/ antiseptic solution. (Do not pour liquid in the ears of horses, mules or donkeys.)

 Use antibiotic ointment (eye ointment works well) or benzyl benzoate.

 Give antibiotic injection if there is a fever.

For severe infections (the head is tilted):

 treat with tetracycline or penicillin (IM) for about two weeks.

Control: Treat for mites, ticks and other parasites.