Ear Infections in Dogs or Cats, Chronic or Otherwise

The Causes of Dog Ear Infection

What are some causative factors involved in ear
infections? Often, ear infections are caused by
fungus, bacteria or parasites. Generally
speaking, a simple lab test at your vet can help
to determine what the underlying cause of the
infection is. There are several factors that may
lead to ear infections such as:

• Water or hair in the ears

• Allergies

• Trauma

• Tumors

• Foreign material in the ears

• Autoimmune disease

• Generalized skin disease.

Although ear ninfections are more common in
long-eared dogs, ear infections can occur in
dogs of any age, breed or gender. Dogs that
spend lots of time outside, swimming, or have
been exposed to bacteria in some way are more
prone to an ear infections, and should have
their ears cleaned regularly.

Dog Ear Infection Symptoms

There are several symptoms to watch out for
when it comes to ear infections. First of all,
if your dog is constantly scratching or rubbing
at the ears, she most likely has an infection.
Her head might shake, and you may notice an
abnormal odor or discharge coming from the ear.
Your dog may experience pain when you try to
touch or clean her ears, and there will most
likely be redness and swelling of the external
ear canal. Though there MAY BE instances where
the ears of a Dog or Cat may become infected by
bacteria or fungus of varied types, and thereby
create a simple local infection, this sort of
infection would normally be confined to the area
of the ear, and not involve other areas of the
body; and, such 'local only' issues should be
solvable, and not chronic.

EAR INFECTIONS AND YEAST CONSIDERATIONS

Many cases of ear infection issues in Dogs or
Cats are not 'simple' surface level issues, they
are caused by an internal digestive imbalance
that also causes other symptoms within or on the
surface of the body. If you should see symptoms
such as itching & scratching, skin inflammation
or rashes, sores or hives, skin blackening or
discoloration, ear or body odor concerns, or
even recurring staph infections, you should
assess whether or not the condition is Yeast
Candida.

Ears and feet are prime exit points for Yeast
toxins working their way out to the surface via
bodily tissues, and will likely be the first
areas to show a problem. Though there is,
perhaps, a different root cause for you dog's
ear problems, if there are symptom areas
elsewhere with the body, you are likely dealing
with the Yeast issue we've been discussing. As
mentioned above, a Digestive Imbalance occurs
when there is a break-down of the good, friendly
bacterial flora of the GI tract, allowing for the
expansion and overgrowth of fungal yeast
colonies. In this state, the toxic by-products
of the yeast can no longer be contained to the
gut, but rather, leach out into the bloodstream,
and are filtered out at the extremities. It is at
this point that the long-term wellness of the pet
is often sacrificed on the alter of the
immediate. In their desire to provide immediate
relief, many vets will prescribe antibiotics to
address the infection without recommending a
pro-biotic to help support the GI Tract
environment.

This scenario can lead to an insidious,
never-ending cycle of repeated ear infections.
Here is a common pattern: Ear infection >
Antibiotics > Kills Bacteria - Bad AND Good >
Ears clear up > Medication wears off > Infection
returns > More antibiotics > Kills
bacteria…Pattern repeats. These
yeast-related ear infections come with a variety
of symptoms in or around the ear, such as: waxy
or greasy build-up, possibly brown, black,
yellow, or other color, redness from
inflammation (immune system interaction),
itchiness, demonstrated by dog scratching or
rubbing at ears or shaking head. These symptoms
are also tied to immune system interaction;
strong odor or smell; usually a pungent 'yeasty'
odor, swelling or thickening of the outer ear
flap.


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Article Submitted by Tim Delaney. References
include http://www.nzymes.com and
http://www.nzymesproductreviews.com


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