Can an Ear Infection Kill a Dog?

We have already explained that there are different types of ear infection depending on location. They are the following:

• Otitis externa: affects the external ear (pinna or auricle).
• Otitis media: affects the middle of the ear.
• Otitis interna: affects the internal labyrinth of the ear (also known as labyrinthitis).

Location of an ear infection can be a significant factor in the severity and risks of canine otitis. Generally speaking, inner ear infections are more dangerous. This is because they involve the most sensitive parts of the ear which can affect the vestibular system, resulting in systemic disorders. The location is also closer to the brain, increasing the potential for brain infections such as encephalitis.

Other risk factors associated with ear infections in dogs include the speed of treatment, the type of infection and the presence of other health problems, among others^[1]. Taking all of these factors into consideration, we can look at the types of otitis in dogs according to severity:

• Mild otitis: this is a minor ear infection that involves acute irritations that occur mainly in the outer ear and are detected quickly, i.e. when the symptoms first appear. These symptoms are usually localized redness, persistent scratching of the ears, shaking of the head, rubbing the ears against objects, etc. In these milder cases, the causes are usually the presence of a foreign object that has entered the auricle after a walk, a build-up of earwax or a seasonal allergy, among others.
• Moderate otitis: in this case, the symptoms we have already mentioned increase in intensity and duration. A visible inflammation on the inside of the ears may appear, as well as an increase in temperature and even a foul odor from the auricle. The causes of moderate otitis include a fungal or bacterial infection that has been developing for some time. Parasitic infections from mites may also be the cause.
• Severe otitis: regardless of its cause, any ear infection can become serious if left untreated. Complications can arise, such as penetrating further into the ear or spreading to the deep tissues. Ear infections can also lead to serious problems such as a perforated ear drum or an aural hematoma in the dog. These can be very painful and require surgery in severe cases. Deafness in the ear is a possible outcome.

We know that the severity of otitis can vary, with potentially serious outcomes such as hearing loss. Before we look at whether ear infections can kill a dog, you may want to know more about the causes and treatment of otitis with our article looking at why a dog's ear is in pain.

Canine ear infections are usually not serious when treated promptly. Even when this happens, curative treatment can be prolonged. This could be exacerbated by low immunity in the animal since their immune system has difficulty in fighting the infection. Ear infections usually health without and major aftereffects. Otitis that is not treated promptly can lead to complications. In these cases, an ear infection can indirectly lead to the death of a dog.

Serious complications associated with ear infections are relatively rare, but they can occur. They are mostly associated with the spread of infection, but they can also damage other tissues which leads to a fatal outcome. Some of the most serious complications of canine ear infections include:

• Brain infections: when the inner ear is infected, the proximity to the brain can cause the infection to spread to areas such as the meninges.
• Sepsis: almost any infection in the body can spread to the bloodstream and result in sepsis, a potentially fatal infection which can be difficult to treat.
• Bone infections: if it spreads to the deep tissue, osteomyelitis may occur. This usually affects the skull or jaw, due to their proximity to the ear.
• Respiratory failure: while very rare, the infection can cause paralysis of the facial nerve which can spread to the nerves which control breathing and result in respiratory failure.
• Vestibular syndrome: this can lead to symptoms which vary in severity. In extreme cases, the dog's balance is greatly affected and they suffer from chronic nauseas. This can drastically reduce quality of life.
• Hemorrhage: infections can lead to internal bleedings which can cause sudden neurological collapse due to bleeding on the brain.

Even if the infection is eventually cleared, delayed treatment can damage tissues which result in chronic otitis. These can be very painful and even disorientating for the dog. In other cases, complications from ear infections can affect the central nervous system. Even if they do not cause the death of the animal, they can cause severe neurological damage. In some cases, the dog may need to be euthanized if their quality of life is very low.

Since delayed treatment can lead to potentially fatal complications, ear infections in dogs should be treated as soon as possible. We might be alerted to an ear infection by behavioral changes, such as the dog repeatedly shaking their head. Other symptoms may be observed on the ear directly, such as redness, inflammation, bad smell or even a purulent discharge in acute cases.

When the symptoms of a canine ear infection are detected, we should contact a veterinarian. They will be able to diagnose the problem and provide the correct course of treatment. This will vary according to the type of infection and its severity, but otitis treatment in dogs generally requires the following:

• Cleaning: in the majority of cases, the first step is to address the hygiene of the ear. The cleansing agent should be a specialized ear cleaning solution for dogs. These are liquid formulations which are introduced into the ears directly and massaged to better penetrate the ear canal. We remove the excess with a finger wrapped in gauze. Many of these cleaners also contain antibiotics, but these must be prescribed by the vet.
• Antibiotics: in addition to antibiotic cleansing agents, the dog may be given oral or even intravenous antibiotic treatments. These are usually reserved for when the bacterial infections is extensive.
• Antifungals: if the cause of the otitis is identified as the presence of fungi, it will be necessary to apply an antifungal treatment. In general, fungi tend to be quite resistant, so their treatment may take a little longer than bacterial treatments.
• Antiparasitic drugs: if a sample of the ear content is taken and the presence of mites is observed under microscopy, the treatment will require a suitable antiparasitic drug. This case usually has a good prognosis, but if the parasitosis is severe, it may also require symptomatic treatment or a combined antiparasitic treatment.
• Foreign body removal: finally, the last most likely cause of developing an ear infection is the presence of foreign bodies in the ear canal, such as those caused by plant material. The treatment involves a physical inspection of the canal and manual removal of the object, treating if necessary with anti-inflammatory or antibiotics in case of infection. This is a delicate procedure which may require the use of sedatives. It must be carried out by a professional to avoid damage to the sensitive aural tissues.

Depending on the severity, the vet may also prescribe the dog supplementary anti-inflammatory or analgesic drugs to manage symptoms. Although a dog can die indirectly from an ear infection, it is not common if they receive prompt treatment by a veterinary professional.

Some dogs may be more prone to ear infections, such as those dog breeds with floppy ears. They especially will need regular maintenance of their aural hygiene. You can learn more about this with the video we share below on how to clean a dog's ears properly:

This article is purely informative. AnimalWised does not have the authority to prescribe any veterinary treatment or create a diagnosis. We invite you to take your pet to the veterinarian if they are suffering from any condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to Can an Ear Infection Kill a Dog?, we recommend you visit our Infectious diseases category.