EDMOND — Q: We have a new black cocker spaniel puppy at our house — very cute. The last four dogs that we had were cockers also — and all of them had ear problems off and on most of their lives. I want to avoid that this time if at all possible. Can you recommend something? — Leslie T.

A: Ear canal problems just happen to be the second most common problem that companion animal veterinarians see on a daily basis. Skin problems are No. 1 — and the two are pretty closely related. A very high percentage of dogs that present with dermatitis wind up with ear canal infections, called otitis.

Cocker spaniels and other floppy-eared breeds with lots of hair in and around the ears do appear to be predisposed to otitis, as apposed to their prick-eared and short-coated brethren.

Leslie thus has good reason to be apprehensive and is apparently prepared to follow an otitis prevention program so that her new cocker puppy doesn’t become her fifth straight dog with ear canal problems.

So why do cockers and other breeds with similar ears and coats have more than their fair share of otitis? There is a large array of factors — let’s list a few: the floppy ear flap, with copious hair growing in and around the ear canal, grossly restricts vital fresh air to the region; excess ear wax production in certain individuals; allergies due to pollens, dust mites, and molds resulting in both dry and moist eczemas; autoimmune involvement; foreign bodies such as grass awns that collect in the area hair and eventually work their way down into the ear canal (being deep and L-shaped, the outer ear canal is a perfect catch-all for all sorts of debris); repeated fluid accumulation following swimming and bathing; the presence of very common and contagious ear mites.

Any of these factors can lead to irritation and inflammation of the tender membranes lining the ear canal which is soon followed by the presence of infection—a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold and yeast to thrive.

The first signs of otitis are usually a reddening around the ear canal opening, scratching at the ears, head shaking and the presence of a particular and noxious odor, which, with neglect, is soon followed by a purulent discharge.

If these signs are evident take your dog to your veterinarian where a thorough cleansing and proper examination of the sensitive ear canal can be accomplished under sedation. Without proper professional intervention chronic otitis often leads to constant and severe discomfort, deafness and a thickening mineralization and drastic narrowing of the canal wherein the only viable treatment is expensive surgical removal of the lateral portion of the ear canal.

The following are some at-home suggestions to help keep Leslie’s new cocker from going through any of the above scenarios:

1. Keep the hair trimmed on the inside of the ear flaps and the area in close proximity to the canal openings.

2. Instruct your groomer to not pluck hair from the ear canals. It’s painful and causes serum to ooze from the pores, making an excellent media for bacterial growth. If medically necessary, this should be performed by your veterinarian.

3. Frequently check for abnormal ear canal odor—you’ll soon learn to recognize the difference between the malodor of otitis and a healthy ear.

4. If wax, dirt or debris accumulates in the folds near the ear opening, gently wipe the area with cotton or a soft cloth after first applying a cleansing solution such as Oti-Clens or Epi-Otic (available at pet supply stores and your vet).

5. Do not use alcohol or ether in the ear canals and never insert cotton-tipped applicators as this simply pushes wax and debris deeper into the canals.



DR. WILLIAM K. FAUKS is a retired Oklahoma City veterinarian. If you have any questions regarding the health of your pet, please write to “Ask a Vet,” at 3142 Venice Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73112, or e-mail bfauks1@aol.com.