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How to Get Rid of Ear Infections

The surgeon selects a ventilation tube for your child that will remain in place for as long as required for the middle ear infection to improve and for the eustachian tube to return to normal. This may require several weeks or months. During this time, you must keep water out of the ears because it could start an infection. Otherwise, the tube causes no trouble, and you will probably notice a remarkable improvement in hearing and a decrease in the frequency of ear infections.

If you do have an infection in your outer ear, the treatment is with either ear-drops (containing antibiotics) and/or a course of oral antibiotics. If the pain is very uncomfortable you may be advised to take painkillers such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs. If the ear canal needs more attention, then treatment could include a thorough cleaning of the ear by your doctor or an ear specialist.

Treating an ear infection is relatively simple. Many ear infections clear on their own and require no treatment, although an over the counter pain reliever may be recommended to ease the child’s discomfort. A persistent ear infection may require antibiotics. Antibiotics are not prescribed as often as they used to be to avoid over exposure to antibiotics at an early age. Antibiotics may also be prescribed if the child has had numerous ear infections within a close period of time or if the ear infection presents with effusion. Pain relieving ear drops may be prescribed to help relieve discomfort.

Make your own antiseptic ear rub that soothes the area killing harmful bacteria. It’s a great home remedy for clogged ears. This herbal treatment of ear infection prevents bacterial transfer, saving you from developing an infection in the healthy ear.

Applying heat to the ear, which may help relieve the earache. Use a warm washcloth or a heating pad. Do not allow your child to go to bed with a heating pad, because he or she could get burned. Use a heating pad only if your child is old enough to tell you if it's getting too hot.

Using eardrops. Doctors often prescribe pain-relieving eardrops for earache. Don't use eardrops without a health professional's advice, especially if your child has ear tubes.

Ear infections occasionally cause the ear drum to perforate which is in some ways analogous to a pimple popping: The infection may go away and the pain is gone. The ear drum heals and sometimes the fluid reaccumulates but often the infection is gone. The drainage and occasional blood from the ear looks frightening and your doctor may want to have a look. Don't put drops in a draining ear without first talking to your doctor.

If your doctor has said things like 'it looks a little red' or 'I see a little fluid' then they may not have been making a 'certain' diagnosis of an ear infection. This is especially true if the diagnosis was made when your child had no other symptoms at all. With a true ear infection, in addition to having fluid in their ear, your child should instead have the more classic symptoms of 'a history of rapid onset of signs and symptoms such as otalgia (or pulling of the ear in an infant), irritability in an infant or toddler, otorrhea, and/or fever.



By: peterhutch

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Dog Ear infections are quite common as this condition affects about 20% of our dogs

Dog Ear infections are quite common as this condition affects about 20% of our dogs either regularly or sporadically, and these infections can affect the outer part of the ear, known as the canal, the middle of the ear, or the inner most part of the ear.

The term most used to describe the inflammation of the outer ear is otitis externa.

These infections can be chronic conditions that linger on, especially external ear infections, or the can happen very suddenly.

 

Both of these conditions can cause damage to ear canal lining, which will than produce excessive amounts of ear wax in your dog ears, which in turn will then cause thickening of the lining, and finally results in the ear canal becoming scarred.

 

In the worst of scenarios of these ear infections, once calcification of the ear canal happens, the only resolution will be to have it corrected by ear surgery.

 

These infections can make your pet fell down right miserable.

 

It hurts.

 

Some of the signs of infections that your dog show is they will start to shake their head a lot as they are actually trying to get the debris and fluid out. They will constantly scratch their ears, and the ears will become inflamed and start to produce an offensive odor from the bacteria build up.

 

These infections also will cause a discharge in the ear of fluid and even a puss like discharge, and because of the constant pain your pet is in, their behavior will change and they may start to whine, become irritable, and  may actually become depressed as well.

 

So what actually causes these infections and what is the biggest cause?

 

Although parasites can sometimes be the cause of these infections such as ear mites, ear mites are very rare in dogs but are the number one cause of cat’s ear infections. Bacteria and yeast cells, as well as foreign organisms that get into your dogs ears are the top causes of these infections.

 

Yeast infection will be caused by a build of ear wax in your dog, while foreign substances can enter into your dogs ears by swimming, rolling on the grass that may be infected with a bacteria (or parasite), and finally too much ear cleaning of your dogs ears can actually put the ears at risk for infection.

 

Humid climates also make a fertile breeding ground for these infections.

 

There are other conditions that can put your dog at risk for ear infections as well, such as endocrine diseases like hypothyroidism, and conditions that can weaken your dog’s immune systems, such as respiratory conditions.

 

Allergies in dogs, unlike or almost opposite of human allergies, actually put your dogs more at risk than dogs without allergies, because they cause the ears to become inflamed and this makes the ears naturally heat up, producing the breeding ground for yeast and bacteria, and also lays the ground for chronic forms of ear infections.

 

Dogs that are more sensitive to allergies, thus, will also be more susceptible to ear infections. Some of these breeds include Poodles, Cocker Spaniels, Retrievers (especially Labrador's), and Schnauzers.

 

Dalmatians and Greyhounds, because of their natural ear weaknesses and proneness to becoming deaf, are also more at risk.

 

Some breeds of dogs actually have ears that by nature become perfect breeding grounds because of their skin or the glands located in their ear canals such as Beagles, Basset Hounds, Springer Spaniels, and Labradors.

 

Finally, there are breeds that just flat out have a lot of natural hair in their ears which restricts the airflow into their ears, making them a lot more at risk. These breeds include Poodles, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Lhasa Apsos.

 

These infections can also be caused by plant awns, commonly known as stick-tights. These substances can stick to your pet’s fur and eventually find their way into the ears. Once there, they will cause trauma to the ear canal.

 

If you frequent wooded areas, always check your pet’s ears after the visit.

 

Diagnosing the actual cause of these infections in your dog is best left to your Veterinarian. They can take cotton swab samples and make the proper diagnosis and than once made, can suggest the proper treatment.

 

The treatment, of course will depend on the cause of the infection, and than secondary conditions that may be the cause.

 

Antibiotics are used for most of the bacterial infections, and antifungal agents are generally used for the yeast infections. System diseases that cause ear infections, such as a hormone problems or any type of an allergy, will have to be treated with programs that will treat all of the symptoms, not just the ear infections.

 

Vitamin C supplements, especially liquid forms because of the superior absorption, are effective in helping to reduce the inflammation that these infections will cause.

 

There are several varying opinions on the best way to clean your dog’s ears. But there is one definite way not to; do not use just plain water to clean your dogs ears. That will only add to the wax problem.

 

Cleaning your pets ears with a mixture of vinegar and water is recommended, and there are several herbal remedies that you could try including Calendula, a antifungal with very good healing agents, organic grape, a very strong antibiotic and antibacterial herb, and Mullein and Garlic, both of which have varying forms of antibody and antiviral qualities.

 

Your dog depends of your observations and help to help them from getting this painful condition.

There are several other articles that I have written that can be found on my website:

Liquid Vitamins & Minerals for Humans & Pets

http://www.liquid-vitamins-minerals-humans-pets.com/



By: Frank Will

About the Author:

I am an avid lover of pets and my wife and I have had several pets throughout our years. We are especially fond of dogs, and we have a 12 year old Dalmatian (our 3rd) and a "mutt" that we rescued when someone threw him away to die in a vacant field.

He found us, nearly starved to death, and weighed about 2 pounds.

After severe bouts of mange and severe dehydration, and over 1,000.00 in veterinarian bills, we saved the little guys life, and he is one of the best, if not the best, dogs we have ever had and today is a muscular, fit, and firm 70 pound best friend.

After finishing my MBA, which at middle age was not easy, I decided to keep the research work ethics that I acquired, and devote about two hours each night in understanding the health benefits of supplementation for both humans and pets and how they might strengthen our, as well as our pets, immune system in a pre-emptive approach to health rather than a reactionary approach.

Both of my daughters are avid cat lovers, and asked me to help them with health concerns and challenges with their cats.

I am not a veterinarian nor claim to be, just a lover of pets that loves to research and pass on some knowledge that might be helpful, or at least stimulating to the thought process



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Ear Problems in Cats: Causes and Treatment

The inside lining of the ear is normally smooth with a small amount of wax buildup. Many problems can cause the ears to be irritated, inflamed and/or infected. Any of these causes left untreated can lead to more complicated problems, including middle and inner ear damage and hearing loss. Most cats let you know that their ears are uncomfortable by scratching, shaking and/or tilting their heads.

CAUSES

Ear mites are most common in ear problems adult cats and puppies. These microscopic mites have hairs on their body that irritate the ears. They are also responsible for the itching and the dark brown, coffee-like residue. Mites live primarily within the ear canal. They can also live outside of the ear and on other parts of the cats body, they do not infest your home.

* Trauma to the ear from foreign materials like plant seeds or over-aggressive cleaning can also cause pain and inflammation of the ears.

* Flea allergies can occasionally involve the ears.

* Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and dust are not common in ears. Ear infections associated with allergies often recur until the underlying cause of the allergy is determined and treated.

SYMPTOMS

* Scratch ears often.

* Shake or tilt head.

* Odor and/or discharge from ears.

WHAT YOUR VET CAN DO

* Diagnosis involves examining a sample of the ear discharge under the microscope. This is called a Cytology and will identify the problem. The most effective treatment will be determined according to whether mites, yeast or bacteria are present.

* Ear mites can also live outside of the ear, on other parts of your cat's body. Flea control products can help to manage this problem.

* Instead of using eardrops to treat mite infections, you can now purchase a new topical treatment called Revolution (selamectin), applied onto the skin at 30 day intervals, which controls fleas, ticks, heartworms, intestinal worms and ear mites for cats and dogs.

* To prevent ear problems, check your cat's ears regularly. Only use products recommended by your vet to clean your cat's ears, and never clean any deeper than you can see.

* Long-term and/or recurrent ear infections may require a culture to pinpoint the exact agent responsible and the medication best suited to eliminate the infection.

NOTE: An otoscope is designed and illuminated to allow complete visualization of the ear canal

HEMATOMA (BLOODCLOT) OF THE EAR

* Hematomas usually occur as a result of self-inflicted trauma to the ear. Many cats vigorously Itch their ears because of a persistent underlying ear mite problem. A blood vessel in the earflap ruptures which causes bleeding into the earflap tissue. Treatment usually requires surgical

removal of blood clots and drainage of blood under anesthesia. Hematomas tend to recur until the underlying problem is eliminated because the cats continue to traumatize their ears by itching. Many ears scar down into an abnormal appearance.

TREATMENT

Milbemycin, is the active ingredient in Sentinel, a tablet given monthly to prevent heartworms, fleas, intestinal worms, and ear mites in cats. Selamectin is the active ingredient in Revolution, approved in cats, a monthly product that kills ear mites and walking dandruff mites, and prevents heartworms and fleas. New monthly flea preventative products have replaced ear drops to treat ear mites.

COMPLEMENTARY EAR TREATMENTS

Yeast Infections: Mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water (50:50) makes a good ear cleaning solution for yeast.

Bacterial Ear Infections: Garlic can be added to the diet only occasionally, continual high doses can cause anemia:

* Garlic has antibacterial and antifungal effects.

HERBALEAR REMEDIES

* Mullein (Verbascom thapsus)

* Mucilage or Sapenins have a demilucent effect.

* Use topically for bacterial ear infections.

* Calendula makes an effective ear cleaning solution: Mix one teaspoon of Calendula with a teaspoon sea salt and one cup of water.

* Calendula Oil is soothing to red inflamed ears. Apply two drops into ears once daily.

* To eliminate ear mites, Yellow Duck (Rumex crispus) two drops every 3rd day for three to six weeks.

HOMEOPATHIC EAR REMEDIES

For red, irritated ears try Pulsatilla (6c Windflower) one pellet every third day for two weeks. Withhold food ten minutes before and after treatment. Sepia officinalis (30C) two whole or three crushed pellets by mouth twice a day for three days then once a week, until the ears are healed. Helpful with itching and head shaking.

VESTIBULAR (MIDDLE EAR) DISEASE

Long-term and/or recurrent ear infections can spread to involve the middle ear. The middle ear houses nerves, called Vestibular nerves, which are responsible for balance and equilibrium. If these nerves are irritated, cats can lose their balance, tilt their heads, stagger and often fall over. This is called Vestibular Disease. Some cases are associated with ear infections and rarely brain tumors are responsible but the cause in most cases is unknown or idiopathic. The term Idiopathic Vestibular Disease is used in these cases.

DIAGNOSIS

X-rays are initially used to evaluate the middle ear. The bone housing the middle ear is called the Tympanic bulla and is located within the brain. The series of x-rays taken in this case, is respectively called a "Bulla Series". A CAT scan or MRI are more sensitive imaging techniques that may be necessary to allow visualization of this area of the brain if the x-rays are inconclusive.

Typically, most cases of Idiopathic Vestibular Syndrome occur for some as of yet unknown reason in the spring and fall. Cats suddenly tilt their heads and begin staggering, for no apparent reason. Cats generally improve within 72 hours and symptoms usually resolve in a couple weeks. Occasionally the head tilt persists.



By: Carol Osborne

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