• Ear infections are very painful.dogs look image by muro from Fotolia.com
  
  Ear ailments in dogs are common, and even more prevalent in long-eared breeds whose ears get less exposure to air. Like humans, dogs who swim a lot are also more vulnerable to ear infections. Take the dog to the vet if it exhibits ear problems. There are various ailments affecting dog ears, and foreign bodies may become lodged in the ear canal. A vet can make the proper diagnosis and begin treatment before hearing is affected.
  
  

Ear Infection

• Owners should practice good canine hygiene and keep ears clean. The earlier any type of discharge or infection is noticed, the less time the dog must suffer. Constant ear scratching may contribute to discharge, and precipitate a bacterial or yeast infection. The vet examines the dog's ears with an otoscope and determines where in the ear the problem lies. A swab taken from the dog and examined through a microscope may determine whether yeast or bacteria is present. If there's bacteria, a culture will confirm the type. A combination of antibiotics, antifungals and corticosteroids are usually prescribed to take care of infection, yeast, and inflammation.
  
  

Hematoma

• A hematoma forms when blood vessels break in the loose part of the ear. A dog biting another dog in the ear is one common cause. This painful condition may lead to ear disfigurement if untreated. A hematoma is obvious generally as the ear swells or bulges out. Other signs of a hematoma include ear scratching, holding the head sideways or head shaking. Veterinary treatment options include needle aspiration of the fluid collected in the hematoma, cortisone to ease inflammation and surgery. With surgery, the dog is anesthetized and the vet drains the fluid and removes blood clots. The wound is then stitched closed.
  
  

Ear Mites

• These parasites reside in the dog's ear canal and subsist on bodily fluids. Symptoms of ear mite infestation include scratching, open sores, tenderness, redness and inflammation. Ear mites also affect other household pets such as cats and bunnies, and all animals should be treated in the case of an infestation, even if asymptomatic. Diagnosis is made by the vet sampling microbes from the dog's ear and viewing them microscopically. Oral and topical medication---like ivermectin, thiabendazole, and pyrenthrins---may be prescribed. Eradication of these parasites is not easy, and treatment may take a month or more. Be sure to follow the veterinarian's directions carefully and medicate the dog each day. Even one day of missed medication may cause a recurrence of the condition.