Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook.pdf - Mr. Walnuts

(page 212). If the eardrum is intact but bulging, pus and fluid in the middle
ear can be aspirated by your veterinarian using a syringe and needle. This
reduces pressure and relieves pain.
The exudate is cultured. Oral antibiotics are started and can be changed
pending the results of sensitivity reports. Antibiotics are continued for at least
three weeks, or until the problem resolves. Recurrent or chronic otitis media
may require middle ear surgery.
Prevention: Most cases of otitis media can be prevented by treating ear
canal infections at an early stage. This is why it is so important to take your
dog to a veterinarian as soon as you suspect an ear problem.
The Inner Ear
INTERNAL OTITIS (INNER EAR INFECTION)
Internal otitis is an inflammation and infection of the inner ear. Most cases
are preceded by outer ear infections. Suspect internal otitis if the dog suddenly
develops signs of labyrinthitis, as described on page 217.
Treatment: This is an emergency. Take your dog to the veterinarian.
Treatment is similar to that described for otitis media (page 215).
LABYRINTHITIS
THE EARS • 217
Diseases of the inner ear are characterized by labyrinthitis, or dizziness. The
labyrinth is part of a complex organ of balance composed of the semicircular
canals, the utricle, and saccule (see the drawing Anatomy of the Ear, page
206). The labyrinth is like a gyroscope. Its purpose is to synchronize eye
movements and maintain posture, balance, and coordination. The most common
cause of labyrinthitis is inner ear infection.
A dog with labyrinthitis will often assume an abnormal posture, with her
head tilted down on the affected side. Dizziness, lack of coordination, and loss
of balance are evident. The dog circles and leans toward the affected side and
may exhibit rapid jerking movements of the eyeballs, a condition called nystagmus.
Some dogs vomit.
Idiopathic vestibular syndrome is a disease of unknown cause that affects
middle-aged and older dogs. It is the second most common cause of
labyrinthitis. The onset is sudden. The dizziness, staggering, and vomiting can
be incapacitating. Vomiting may last for several days, in which case the dog
may require intravenous fluids. Signs peak in 24 hours, but some degree of
imbalance persists for three to six weeks. Recovery occurs in almost all cases.
After recovery, some dogs experience a slight but permanent head tilt.
The prolonged administration of aminoglycoside and neomycin antibiotics
can produce labyrinthitis, as well as deafness. Most ear preparations are capable
of causing labyrinthitis and ear damage if they make contact with the