Disorders of the Outer Ear in Dogs

Canine juvenile cellulitis is an infection and inflammation beneath the skin of young dogs. This uncommon disorder affects young puppies and causes pus-filled, raised, inflamed skin areas on the face and ears, usually with enlarged lymph nodes under the jaw. It occurs in puppies 3 weeks to 4 months old and is rare in older animals. Certain breeds, like Golden Retrievers, Gordon Setters, and Dachshunds, seem more at risk. Affected puppies may stop eating, be sluggish, or have a fever. Early treatment with anti-inflammatory medication helps avoid scarring. Any lumps on a young puppy’s face or ears should be checked by a vet.

Environmental allergens (dust mites, pollen, mold) and food allergies often cause red, itchy ears and can lead to ear canal infections extending to the pinna. The face, armpits, inner thigh, and feet are often also involved. Veterinarians diagnose allergies based on the dog’s signs and history and by ruling out other causes. Food allergies are confirmed or ruled out with a strict diet your vet can recommend. Dogs might need allergy shots, treatment for infection, diet changes, or medications. Allergies usually require lifelong management.

Some ointments or medications can irritate the inner, hairless side of the pinna, producing contact inflammation of the skin (called dermatitis) 1–7 days after starting treatment. The skin can become red and swollen and develop bumps or sores, often with itching or pain. Treatment usually means stopping all products applied to the skin and administering anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by a vet. Switching to a different ointment rarely helps because many products share similar ingredients.

Aural, or ear, hematomas are fluid-filled swellings on the inner surface of the ear flap (pinna) caused by bleeding under the skin. This occurs when a small blood vessel breaks and blood collects between the skin and cartilage of the ear. This most commonly happens when a pet shakes its head or scratches its ears, which can rupture a blood vessel. The ear flap then fills with blood and fluid. It may feel soft and fluid-filled, like a water balloon.

Dogs might show sensitivity when the ear is touched and shake their heads or scratch. Swelling can partly block the ear canal.

Treatment (usually surgery by a vet) aims to remove the fluid, close the space, and prevent refilling during healing. A bandage is sometimes placed over the ear. Stitches are usually left in place for about 3 weeks to allow scar tissue to form. Treating the underlying cause (for example, an ear infection) is essential. In some cases, the ear heals without treatment, but this often leaves a thickened, wrinkled “cauliflower ear.” For some dogs that aren't good candidates for anesthesia, allowing the hematoma to heal on its own can be considered.

The bites of ticks, mosquitoes, flies, and fleas (as well as allergic reactions to these pests) can cause inflammation of the pinna, causing redness, swelling, itching, or blisters.

Treatment focuses on preventing pests in the environment using pet-safe products and using drugs to decrease inflammation and itching.

In cold climates, especially in wet or windy conditions, dogs can get frostbite on areas like their ear tips, feet, and tail. Affected skin can be pale or red, swollen, and painful. Severe cases can lead to death of the skin involved. Treatment is rapid, gentle warming and supportive care. Surgical removal of affected regions by a veterinarian could be required, but this should be delayed until the extent of injury is known.

Several disorders cause hair loss on ear edges in dogs. Your veterinarian can perform tests (including skin scrapings, culture, and biopsy) to determine the cause and recommend treatment.

In Miniature Poodles, sudden hair loss on the outward curving surfaces of the outer ear can occur, although hair sometimes regrows without treatment.

Pattern baldness of outer ears occurs in Dachshunds, Chihuahuas, Italian Greyhounds, and Whippets and seems hereditary. Hair thins before age 1 and can be gone by age 8–9. Other commonly affected areas are the neck, chest, and thighs. There are no other signs, and treatment is limited.

Yorkshire Terriers and Doberman Pinschers may develop hair loss with darkened skin on the pinna and the top of the nose. The tail and feet can also be affected. Hair loss is usually first noticed when the dog is between 6 months and 3 years old. This usually worsens with age, and no treatment is available.

Immune system diseases, in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own organs, occur in animals, just as they do in people. In pets, these disorders (including pemphigus foliaceus, pemphigus erythematosus, drug reactions, toxic epidermal necrolysis, and vasculitis) can affect the outer ear and ear canal. Other body areas are typically also involved. Diagnosis requires biopsy of primary lesions. Treatment often involves drugs that suppress the immune system.

Sarcoptic mange (also called "scabies") is caused by a burrowing mite and is common worldwide. It starts with small red bumps that can progress to crusts and sores from scratching, with severe itching. Mites can be spread from other animals or from things like bedding and brushes. Mange is confirmed by signs, exposure history, and skin scrapings examined under a microscope. Treatments include dips, injections, and spot-on and oral medications, and all household animals should be treated. Bedding and grooming items should be cleaned thoroughly. Scabies mites can cause temporary skin irritation in people after close contact. Check with your doctor if this occurs.

Very oily skin at the ear edge (seborrhea) is common in Dachshunds and some breeds of dogs with hanging ears. Signs include gray to yellow waxy scales stuck to hairs and plugs of hair that can be pulled out to leave shiny skin. Severe cases cause skin cracking and swelling. Vets typically treat this condition with topical medications and shampoos.

Sebaceous adenitis is an uncommon disorder involving damage to the glands that keep skin lubricated. At-risk breeds include Standard Poodles, Akitas, Samoyeds, Vizslas, Havanese, Springer Spaniels, and Lhasa Apsos. Signs include hair loss and scaly skin that sticks to the hairs on the pinna (ear flap), forehead, face, tail, and body. Vets diagnose it by biopsy and treat it with medications and medicated shampoos. A skin infection might occur at the same time and cause itchiness.

Death of the skin and cartilage of the pinna can happen from blood clots in blood vessels, causing decreased blood flow, open sores, and darkened, thickened skin starting at the tip of the pinna. Medication helps some dogs, but surgery to remove diseased skin and cartilage might be necessary. The cause is unknown.

Auricular chondritis, or inflammation of the ear cartilage, is rare. Signs include pain, swelling, redness, and misshapen ear flaps, usually in both ears. Other body areas like joints, eyes, or heart can be affected. Treatment might not be needed if pain is absent, but medications can help pain. Ear shape sometimes remains permanently deformed.

Vasculitis is inflammation of blood vessels and is uncommon. Affected skin shows purple spots, redness, sores, and scabs. Dead skin can shed. Vasculitis often affects the ear flaps, tail, and footpads. Causes include immune system reactions, drugs, infections, and cancer. Treatment targets any known cause and aims to keep the body's immune system from fighting the treatment.

Nodular granulomatous dermatitis forms small inflammatory nodules (bumps) on the ear edges. If no infectious organisms are identified within the affected skin, these nodules are described as “sterile.” Great Danes and Rottweilers are more at risk than other breeds.

In some areas, a protozoan parasite causes similar-looking lesions (leishmaniosis).

Treatment may involve long-term anti-inflammatory medication, antiparasitic medication if parasites are present, surgical removal of large nodules, and antibiotics to treat additional infections.