Otitis Interna in Dogs and Cats: Understanding the Condition and Treatment

What is Otitis Interna?

Otitis interna refers to the inflammation of the inner ear structures in pets, which can affect balance and overall well-being. This condition may impact both dogs and cats and requires prompt veterinary attention.

Causes of Otitis Interna:

Otitis interna can result from a variety of factors, including:

• Infections: Bacterial, fungal, and tick-borne infections can all lead to this condition.

• Congenital Diseases: Certain breeds of dogs (e.g., Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds) and cats (e.g., Burmese, Siamese) may be predisposed to congenital conditions that result in otitis interna.

• The term Congenital refers to something that is present from birth or an animal is predisposed to due to their genetic.

• Idiopathic Causes: In some cases, the cause remains unknown, referred to as idiopathic otitis interna. Congenital disease would be considered idiopathic.

• Acquired Conditions: Older pets may develop vestibular diseases that affect their balance.

• Metabolic Disorders: Conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease) can contribute to otitis interna.

• Trauma: Foreign bodies, tumors, or injuries to the ear or head can also lead to inflammation.

Signs and Symptoms

Signs of otitis interna are often neurological in nature and can include:

• Head tilt: A noticeable tilt of the head to one side.

• Falling or circling: Loss of balance, leading to falls or the pet walking in circles.

• Nausea or vomiting: Due to balance issues or vertigo.

• Abnormal eye movements: Eyes may move involuntarily (nystagmus), often a sign of vestibular dysfunction.

These symptoms are commonly referred to as "vestibular signs," as they arise from problems with the inner ear's balance system, much like vertigo in humans.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination, which may include:

• Otoscopy: To examine the ear canal and eardrum.

• Cytology and Cultures: Tests on ear fluid to identify bacterial, fungal, or other infections.

• Advanced Imaging: MRI or CT scans to get a closer look at the inner ear and brain structures.

• Spinal Tap: In some cases, cerebrospinal fluid may be analyzed to rule out neurological conditions.

What You Can Do at Home

Because the symptoms of otitis interna are neurological, it is crucial that you seek veterinary care immediately. In the meantime, ensure your pet is safe from injury due to balance problems. Keep them away from dangerous areas, such as stairs or furniture, where they could fall and get injured.

Priority / Urgency / Emergency

*URGENCY/EMERGENCY*

Urgent Medical Attention Required: Since the symptoms of otitis interna are neurological and may not have an immediately obvious cause, a vet visit is essential as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of the condition, your veterinarian may refer you to a specialist. If your regular vet is unavailable, a visit to an emergency clinic is warranted to rule out other serious causes for the neurological signs.

Treatment: What to Expect

Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the otitis interna:

• Infections: If the cause is an infection, long-term oral medications (such as antibiotics or antifungals) may be prescribed.

• Supportive Care: Pets with severe symptoms may need fluid therapy and nursing care, especially if they have difficulty eating or walking.

• Medications for Dizziness: Antivertigo medications can help manage the symptoms of dizziness and nausea.

• Surgery: In cases where tumors, polyps, or foreign bodies are present, surgical removal may be necessary.

Follow-Up Care

Regular recheck visits are essential to monitor progress. For infectious causes, follow-up visits typically occur in 2-4 weeks. If your pet's condition worsens, contact your veterinarian immediately. Improvement is often seen within the first few days of treatment.

For non-infectious vestibular diseases, pets may show improvement within two weeks, but signs can take longer to stabilize. Ongoing monitoring will help ensure the best outcome.

Prognosis

• Infectious Otitis Interna: With proper treatment, the outlook for bacterial infections is generally good. However, fungal infections may have a more guarded prognosis.

• Non-Infectious Cases:

• Idiopathic acquired vestibular disease typically has a good prognosis, with pets often recovering well.

• Congenital cases may have a less favorable outcome, though some pets can adapt over time.