Article From SubmitYOURArticle.com: Springer Spaniel Ear Problems - Prevention and Treatment

Springer Spaniels, like most dogs with long hairy
ears, are prone to ear problems. This is no
reason to avoid the breed - regular grooming and
care of the ears mean that your dog may never
suffer. A springer spaniel ear problem usually
becomes obvious by 'smelly ears' or by your dog's
rubbing at his ear with a paw - quite often both
go together.

Inflammation of the ear is known as otitis. There
are several causes and a range of treatments, but
with the right care, most problems can be
prevented.

Causes

There are four main reasons for irritation within
the ear.

1. Floppy ears trap moisture (and we know that
springers love water).

2. Inherited skin allergies are not unusual;
rubbing by the dog causes release of exudates
('thick fluids') which make it worse. Typical
allergy triggers are food and pollen.

3. Thick hair in the ear canal traps moisture,
dirt, grass, small twigs and earwax.

4. Mite infestation.

The first three reasons provide ideal conditions
for the growth of fungal (yeast) infections in
the ear.

Diagnosis

Unless you are a very experienced springer
spaniel owner, then it is essential that you take
your pet to a veterinarian so that a proper
diagnosis can be carried out. Without effective
treatment, the problem could cause permanent
deafness in your dog, besides the discomfort
caused to your dog by a chronic infection.

And of course, smelly ears is not pleasant in the
home. Have you noticed how some houses just
'smell of dog'?

Prevention

Springers love swimming and it is excellent
exercise for them. Howeever, if you can stop him
swimming in stagnant water, that's a good start -
rivers and lakes with inflow or outflow are best
as this keeps the water changed and prevents
stagnation.

Regular grooming and inspection of the ear is
essential to prevent problems developing. The
hair around the edges of the ear should be
trimmed carefully so that minimal 'pickup' of
debris takes place. When your springer has been
out for a run in the undergrowth, then check his
years for small twigs and grass.

The hair inside the ear may also be trimmed; some
may be removed with tweezers - find out more from
a specialised article or book on springer
spaniels, or ask your veterinarian to show you
how to do it.

Treatments

The treatments your veterinarian recommends will
be one or more of the following:

For allergies try different brands of food;
antihistamines may be required if reaction is
severe.

Flushing with a mildly acidic solution creates an
environment where yeast growth is inhibited. The
veterinarian should be able to suggest a suitable
solution.

Antibiotics - usually in the form of drops. It is
important that your veterinarian rotates the
antibiotics, as long term treatment with one
antibiotic can allow resistant strains of
bacteria to develop.

For acute cases which resist those treatments,
simple surgery is poosible, with more radical
surgery for deeper-seated problems. These
procedures usually have good outcomes with
greatly improved quality of life for the dog.

Mites are usually treated using a mite powder.

(c) 2010 Phil Marks

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Phil Marks has owned springer spaniels both Welsh
and English, pups and rescue dogs for several
years. Find out more about springer spaniel
health problems at
http://www.springerspanieladvice.com/springer-span
iel-health-issues/

"The Springer Spaniel Companion" full colour
eBook is now available at
http://www.springerspanieladvice.com/ssa.html -
all you need to know about how to find, nurture
and have fun with a springer spaniel!

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