What is Brown Gunk in a Dog’s Ear?
Brown gunk in a dog’s ear refers to a dark brown, often waxy, discharge that can develop in the external ear canal (Source 1). It frequently occurs in the vertical part of the ear canal closest to the ear drum, but can also emerge closer to the outer opening of the ear (Source 2). This brown buildup is quite common in dogs and can have several underlying causes.
The waxy, oily secretion that normally exists in a dog’s ear canals helps protect the sensitive skin. But excess buildup of this brown discharge signals a problem. Left untreated, it can lead to discomfort, infection, and hearing issues.
Causes of Brown Gunk
There are several common causes of brown gunk in a dog’s ear:
- Ear mites – tiny parasites that feed on ear wax and oils. They cause irritation and brown discharge. Ear mites are highly contagious between dogs (1).
- Yeast infections – an overgrowth of yeast can lead to brown buildup and discharge, especially in dogs with floppy ears that don’t allow proper air circulation (2).
- Bacterial infections – bacteria like Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Proteus can infect the ears and create brown exudate (3).
Allergies are another major factor in ear infections and brown discharge. Allergies cause inflammation and extra production of ear wax, creating an environment for infections to develop (1). Dogs with food or environmental allergies are very prone to ear problems.
Certain breeds with floppy ears and hairy inner ear canals, like Cocker Spaniels and Poodles, are more susceptible to ear infections. Moisture getting trapped in ears can also set the stage for infection and gunk (2).
The anatomy of a dog’s ear canal, whether narrow or vertical, can also allow gunk to build up and get stuck, rather than draining out properly (3).
Signs of an Ear Infection
An ear infection in dogs may present itself through various symptoms. According to the AKC, some of the most common signs of an ear infection in dogs include:
Redness, swelling, and odor – The inside of the ear may appear swollen, red and inflamed. There may also be a foul odor coming from the ear canal.
Head shaking and scratching – Dogs with an ear infection will likely shake their head frequently and scratch at their ears trying to relieve the irritation. The scratching can lead to wounds around the ear.
Discomfort and pain – Ear infections can be very painful. You may notice your dog crying or whining when its ears are touched. Your dog may also lose its balance and have trouble hearing until the infection clears up.
According to Fremont Vet Clinic, other symptoms include discharge from the ears that can be brown, yellow or bloody, and an odor coming from the ear canal.
Risks If Left Untreated
If a dog’s ear infection is left untreated, the infection can worsen and spread to other areas. According to the VCA Animal Hospital, inner ear infections can potentially lead to long-term complications if not properly treated, including permanent balance issues and signs of Horner’s syndrome.
As the infection progresses, it can affect the middle and inner ear. This can eventually lead to ruptured eardrums and even deafness in dogs as noted by Apple Valley Animal Hospital. They warn that untreated ear infections can result in not just pain and discomfort, but even coordination and balance problems in severe cases.
Therefore, it’s critical to get an ear infection evaluated and treated promptly. Otherwise, the infection can become chronic and much more difficult to resolve. Early intervention is key to preventing complications and long-term ear and hearing issues in dogs.
Diagnosing the Cause
To diagnose the exact cause of brown gunk in a dog’s ear, a veterinarian will start with a thorough physical examination and visual inspection of the ear canal. Using an otoscope, the vet will look for signs of inflammation, discharge, foreign material, or other abnormalities.
The vet may take a sample of the ear discharge and examine it under a microscope. This can help identify bacteria, yeast, ear mites, and other microorganisms that could be causing an infection. Cultures may also be taken to pinpoint the specific type of organism causing the infection.
Other diagnostic tests the vet may perform include cytology, biopsy, bloodwork, allergy testing, or imaging. These can help diagnose underlying problems like hormonal disorders, autoimmune disease, polyps, tumors, or foreign material stuck in the ear canal.
Once the underlying cause is identified through diagnostic testing, the vet can recommend an appropriate treatment plan to clear up the brown gunk and any infection.
Sources:
https://www.webmd.com/pets/dogs/dog-discharge-ear
https://vetericyn.com/blog/dog-ear-discharge-everything-you-need-to-know/
Treatment Options
There are several treatment options for brown gunk in a dog’s ears depending on the underlying cause. Veterinarians typically recommend starting with medicated ear drops or ointments to treat bacterial or yeast infections. Some common prescription ear medications include:
- Anti-bacterial drops like gentamicin, neomycin, or polymixin B
- Anti-fungal drops like miconazole, clotrimazole, or nystatin
- Corticosteroid drops to reduce inflammation
Oral antibiotics or antifungals may be prescribed as well if the infection is severe or resistant to topical treatment. Common oral medications used include ketoconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole for fungal infections, and amoxicillin, cephalexin, or doxycycline for bacterial infections. Anti-inflammatory drugs like prednisone may also help reduce swelling, irritation, and discomfort in the ears (Source).
Treatment usually involves cleaning the dog’s ears, applying medication, and following up with the veterinarian to ensure the infection has resolved. Most ear infections clear up within 7-10 days with proper treatment. Preventing recurrences involves keeping the ears clean and dry.
Home Remedies
Some home remedies may help treat minor ear infections in dogs. However, it’s important to consult your vet before using any home treatment. Some remedies may provide symptom relief but won’t treat the underlying infection. Home treatments should never be used for severe infections or in place of veterinary care.
A simple saline flush can help clean debris and wax out of the ear canal. Mix one part white vinegar with one part lukewarm water or saline solution. Use a syringe or bulb syringe to gently flush the ear. Be careful not to squeeze solution into the inner ear. After flushing, wipe away any remaining liquid and debris with a cotton ball (Dog’s Naturally Magazine, 2022).
Some pet owners have success using apple cider vinegar to clean and acidify the ear canal. Dilute apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of clean water. Apply several drops into the affected ear and massage gently. Never use undiluted vinegar, as it can damage ear tissues. While vinegar may provide temporary itch relief, it won’t cure an underlying infection (BetterVet, 2022).
Essential oils like tea tree oil and oregano oil have natural antimicrobial properties. However, they can cause reactions in some dogs. Oils should be heavily diluted with a carrier oil before use in ears. It’s best to consult your vet before using essential oils, especially if your dog has sensitive skin.
Prevention
There are several steps dog owners can take to help prevent ear infections in their pets:
Keep ears clean and dry. Regularly cleaning your dog’s ears with a veterinarian-recommended cleanser can help remove debris, moisture, and wax buildup that can lead to infection. Gently wipe out visible dirt and debris with cotton balls. After baths or swimming, thoroughly dry your dog’s ears.
Treat underlying allergies. Allergies are a common cause of chronic ear infections in dogs. Work with your veterinarian to identify and manage any food or environmental allergies your dog may have. This can reduce allergy-related inflammation that allows bacteria and yeast to overgrow.
Avoid foreign objects. Make sure your dog does not have access to sticks, grass awns, cotton swabs, or other objects that could get lodged in the ear canal. These can cause scratches or irritation and allow infection to develop.
When to See the Vet
It’s important to take your dog to the vet promptly if the ear discharge doesn’t resolve within 1-2 days or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like head shaking, pain, or swelling 1. Some key signs that warrant a veterinary visit include:
- No improvement in discharge or head shaking after 1-2 days of home treatment
- Worsening swelling, redness, or pain around the ears
- Changes in behavior like lethargy or loss of appetite
- Persistent head tilt or loss of balance
- Bleeding, pus, or foul-smelling discharge
While many minor ear infections can be treated at home, a chronic or worsening infection requires veterinary attention. A vet will examine the ear canal with an otoscope, determine the underlying cause, and prescribe medication if needed. Leaving an untreated infection too long risks permanent ear damage or spread of infection. It’s better to have the vet evaluate promptly when in doubt.
Outlook and Prognosis
With proper and timely treatment, the outlook for most ear infections in dogs is excellent[1]. In uncomplicated cases, most ear infections will clear up within 7-10 days when treated with prescription ear medications and any underlying causes are addressed. Cleaning the ear canal and applying medication allows the infection to resolve and prevents it from worsening or spreading.
However, cases that are chronic, severe or recurrent may require long-term management to keep the infection under control. Dogs with underlying illnesses like allergies or hypothyroidism may be prone to repeated ear infections. In these dogs, the underlying disease must be controlled to prevent future flare-ups. With diligent at-home cleaning and the right prescription medications, these dogs can live comfortably despite their tendency for ear infections[2].
Overall, with veterinary treatment and follow-up care at home, most cases of otitis externa can be cured or managed successfully. Catching ear infections early and treating them promptly is key to ensuring a good outcome.