EAR ABLATION IN DOG
EAR ABLATION IN DOG EARS - THE LAST RESORT FOR CHRONIC EAR INFECTIONS
By Tess Thompson
The treatment that is most effective for ear infections in dogs depends upon the severity of the condition. Home remedies for dog ear mites and regular grooming are effective methods to treat and prevent mild ear infections.
Chronic and recurrent ear infections that do not respond to treatment may even require surgery. Vertical Canal Ablation and Lateral Wall Resection are designed to modify the anatomy of the dog’s ear to facilitate easy exit of fluids, much like as it is done in the human ear.
Total Ear Canal Ablation involves removal of the vertical and horizontal ear canal, the ear drum and part of the middle ear. It is the ultimate treatment when nothing else works. It removes the infected ear and allows fluid to be drained from the middle ear.
The process involves removing the entire amplification system of the body and if this surgery is performed on both ears, the dog becomes deaf. To understand ear ablation, it is necessary to know the significant role that the structure of a dog ear plays in ear infections.
The anatomy of a dog ear is one of the major reasons behind chronic inflammation of the external ear. including externally visible cartilaginous structure and the ear canal. Unlike the human ear that has a short, straight and a horizontal passage leading to the ear drum, dog ear has an L-shaped passage.
The vertical ear canal is shaped like a funnel and takes a 90 degree horizontal turn to end up at the ear drum. Any fluid that gets trapped in a dog’s ear cannot come out easily. The typical shape also makes it difficult for any medication to reach the ear drum.
The retained fluid and external parasites like dog ear mites lead to infection. A long standing infection triggers excess production of wax and other infectious fluids making the ear a welcome residence for ear mites and yeast. The resultant inflammation causes thickening of the skin that lines the external ear creating further problems in treatment.
Chronic ear infections often lead to injury in the middle ear cavity and can thicken the ear canal to such an extent that it becomes akin to a bone. Malignant tumors in the ear that have not metastasized through the cartilage or into the middle ear cavity too should undergo surgery.
Prognosis of Total Ear Canal Ablation is encouraging as long as the procedure is performed by an experienced veterinarian surgeon. This helps in avoiding any complications during this delicate procedure.
Like all surgeries, the Total Ear Canal Ablation procedure needs to be followed up so that any post surgical complications can be addressed quickly. After an ear ablation, total or partial, your dog may live long but he may never be the same as before.
Your pet is your responsibility and when you bring a pet home, it is incumbent upon you to take proper care of its health. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you get down to thinking about it, whether it is dog or cat ear mites, the infection is initiated by poor grooming. Dogs and cats require help from owners. Regular and proper ear cleaning can save you a lot of expense and your pets from a great deal of discomfort.
References:
http://southpaws.com/topics/ears.htm
http://vetsurgerycentral.com/ear_ablation.htm
Is your pet suffering with an ailment or experiencing a condition like what we've discussed here? Check out PetAlive for terrific pet health tips and information as well as 100% safe, effective and unconditionally guaranteed pet health remedies!
More Articles
The Importance Of Dog Training
Treating Dog Separation Anxiety
Related Products
 DGP Dog Gone Pain Aches and pains reduce your dog's enjoyment of life and our enjoyment of th |
 Digestion Reliever™ For fast, safe relief of gas, cramping, pain and other abdominal discomfort |
 Digestive Blend ActiPet Digestive Blend contains prebiotics to nourish beneficial bacteria, |
 Digestive Support for Cats An effective formula for cats to support proper digestion and bowel health. |
More Articles
... Kennel Cough - Treatment By Tess Thompson Kennel cough or tracheobronchitis is bronchitis that is marked by dry spasmodic cough, retching, sneezing, snorting or choking. It is characterized by inflammation of the upper respiratory system. It can be caused by either a viral or bacterial infection. Tracheobronchitis ...
... external ear and the ear canal. It is the result of a vicious circle of cause and effect. Poor grooming and unclean ears often act as an invitation for bacterial and fungal infections. Treatment is difficult as the anatomy of the dog ear does not allow the medication to reach the inner ear easily. Infection ...
... Problem By Tess Thompson Pets, especially dogs, occupy a special place in the hearts of their owners. Like that of any other family member, the dog s health is your responsibility. Whereas common ailments like ticks, skin problems, anal blockages, can easily be handled with the aid of Homeopathic medicine ...
... and feline hair loss are common occurrences in cats. Dogs, on the other hand, face more skin and hair related problems that can occur ...
... drooping ears aid in creating a favorable environment for ear mites to breed. Let me explain how it happens. Wax production in dog s ears increases beyond normal levels due to certain conditions. The inner ear of a dog has vertical ...