What are those bumps in a dog’s ears?
The bumps located on the inside of a dog’s ear are called papillae. They are small round protuberances made of epidermal tissue that contain nerve endings and blood vessels (Cole, 2009). The papillae are found on the inner pinna, which is the fleshy part of the external ear.
There are three main types of papillae in the canine ear:
- Conical papillae – evenly distributed across the inner pinna
- Ridge papillae – run in rows down the inner pinna
- Special papillae – enlarged papillae such as Stensen’s gland papillae
The main function of the papillae is sensory. The nerve endings allow dogs to feel touch, movement, and vibration in their ears. This helps dogs hear better by detecting and localizing sounds. The blood vessels also help regulate temperature in the ears. Overall, the papillae play an important role in a dog’s hearing and ear health.
Why do some dogs have more prominent bumps than others?
The prominence of the bumps in a dog’s ears depends on both breed characteristics and the size/shape of the ear itself. Certain breeds tend to have more visible papillae due to genetic factors that affect ear anatomy. For example, hound breeds like Basset Hounds and Bloodhounds often have quite noticeable bumps due to their long, droopy ears. Sighthounds such as Greyhounds and Whippets also frequently have prominent papillae. On the other hand, breeds like Labrador Retrievers and Beagles tend to have less visible bumps.
The size and shape of the ear can also accentuate the bumps. Dogs with larger ears relative to head size, and dogs with ears that are more erect rather than floppy, will showcase the bumps more. So while the papillae themselves are normal anatomical structures, they are simply more visually evident in some breeds and ear types compared to others. But the presence of prominent bumps does not necessarily indicate any health issues.
Are the bumps normal or a cause for concern?
The bumps in a dog’s ears, known as papillae, are a normal anatomical feature. Papillae contain nerve endings and blood vessels, helping dogs hear and regulate body temperature through their ears.
While distinct ridges and raised areas of skin on the inner flap of a dog’s ear may look concerning to pet owners, they are typically nothing to worry about. The papillae should have a consistent size and texture. As long as the papillae appear normal, there is no cause for concern.
However, pet owners should monitor their dog’s ears and note any changes to the papillae over time. Swelling, redness, irritation, or sudden growth in size of the papillae could signal an underlying issue requiring veterinary attention. Flaky, crusty, or ulcerated papillae may indicate infection or inflammation. But when healthy and normal, the ear papillae are nothing more than a regular part of a dog’s anatomy. [1]
Caring for your dog’s ear papillae
Keeping your dog’s ears clean and dry is an important part of caring for their ear papillae. Regularly inspect your dog’s ears for any signs of wax buildup, redness, swelling, odor or discharge. Cleaning your dog’s ears weekly can help prevent infections (vcahospitals.com).
Use a gentle, veterinarian-recommended ear cleaning solution and cotton balls to gently wipe out debris and wax when cleaning. Never use cotton swabs or insert anything into your dog’s ear canal. Be sure to reward your dog with treats for tolerating the cleaning process.
Check your dog’s ears often for any signs of irritation or infection like head shaking, scratching or rubbing at their ears, or foul odor. Seek veterinary advice promptly if you notice any concerning symptoms. Your vet can examine your dog’s ears and provide medications if needed to clear up any infections (hospital.vetmed.wsu.edu). With proper care, most ear issues can be managed at home.
When to seek veterinary advice
The ear papillae are usually harmless bumps, but you should contact your veterinarian if they become irritated or infected. Signs that your dog may need medical attention for their ear papillae include:
– The bumps grow larger, bleed, ooze fluid, or look red and inflamed. This could indicate an infection or inflammation that requires treatment (source).
– Your dog starts shaking their head or scratching at their ears excessively. Head shaking and ear scratching are common signs of irritation or infection (source).
– There is a foul odor coming from the ears. A bad smell can mean the papillae are infected.
If you notice any of these signs, contact your vet right away. They can examine your dog’s ears, diagnose any infection present, and prescribe medication as needed. Prompt treatment helps prevent the infection from getting worse.
Treatment options for irritated or infected papillae
If your dog’s ear papillae become irritated or infected, there are several treatment options your veterinarian may recommend:
Medicated ear cleaners can help flush out debris and bacteria while also treating infection. These may contain ingredients like acetic acid, chlorhexidine, or tris-EDTA. Your vet can prescribe an appropriate medicated cleaner.
Oral or topical antibiotics may be prescribed if there is a bacterial infection underlying the irritated papillae. Common antibiotics used include enrofloxacin, marbofloxacin, or orbifloxacin. Antifungal medication like miconazole may be used for fungal infections (VCAAH, 2022).
Your vet may also recommend applying steroid ointments or creams directly to the inflamed papillae to reduce swelling and itching. Hydrocortisone or prescription strength steroids like betamethasone may be used short-term.
How to prevent ear problems related to papillae
There are a few key ways to help prevent ear problems related to your dog’s ear papillae:
Regular ear cleaning
One of the most important things you can do is to regularly clean your dog’s ears. This helps remove dirt, debris, and moisture that can lead to irritation or infection of the papillae. Be gentle when cleaning around the papillae. A veterinarian can show you the proper technique. Cleaning once a week or every other week is usually sufficient.
According to this source, “Regular ear cleaning helps decrease the bacteria and yeast that live in your dog’s ears.” Gently cleaning with an ear wash solution and cotton ball can help prevent infections.
Controlling moisture in ears
Excessive moisture in your dog’s ears can also lead to irritation of the papillae. After bathing or swimming, be sure to thoroughly dry your dog’s ears. You may also want to pluck any hair around the ear canal opening to allow for better air circulation.
According to the American Animal Hospital Association, “The key to preventing “swimmer’s ear” is to thoroughly dry your dog’s ears after swimming or bathing.” Keeping their ears dry is crucial.
Treating underlying allergies
Allergies are a common cause of ear infections in dogs. If your dog has recurring ear issues, have them tested for allergies. Treating the underlying allergy, whether environmental or food-based, can help prevent further irritation and infection of the ear papillae.
According to this source, “If your dog has frequent infections, talk to your veterinarian about identifying and treating any allergies your dog may have. Treating the source of the problem will reduce the recurrence of infections.”
When surgical removal may be recommended
While most ear papillae in dogs are normal and harmless, in some cases surgical removal may be recommended if the papillae:
- Become chronically infected
- Interfere with hearing or equilibrium
- Cause discomfort for the dog
Chronic infections and inflammation of the papillae or ear canal can be frustrating for both dogs and owners. Topical medications applied at home often cannot fully resolve deep-seated infections involving the papillae or middle ear. In these cases, surgery may be advised to fully remove the infected or problematic tissue and allow the ear to heal.
One surgical option is called a total ear canal ablation and bulla osteotomy (TECA-BO). This surgery removes the entire ear canal as well as the tympanic bulla structure in the middle ear 1. Only the outer ear flap remains. Though an extreme measure, a TECA-BO can eliminate chronic pathology and discomfort once and for all. The surgery carries risks, however, including potential damage to facial nerves 2.
For less severe cases, a vet may recommend only removing the papillae themselves. This less invasive surgery can be done with the dog under sedation and local anesthesia. Potential complications include bleeding, infection, and necrosis of the pinna tips. Most dogs recover fully in 1-2 weeks 3.
Talk to your veterinarian about whether surgical removal of infected or problematic ear papillae is the right choice for your dog’s health and comfort.
Recovery after papillae removal surgery
The recovery period after surgical removal of ear papillae typically lasts 10-14 days https://wagwalking.com/treatment/surgical-tumor-removal. During this time, dogs must be prevented from scratching or licking the surgical site as it heals. An Elizabethan collar is often recommended to prevent this.
Your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory drugs after surgery. It’s important to carefully follow all medication instructions. Keeping the ears clean and dry will also promote healing.
With proper aftercare, surgical sites usually heal well. The skin incisions will slowly close and any sutures or staples can be removed 10-14 days post-surgery. Ear papillae generally do not regrow after surgical removal. Most dogs recover fully and experience no long-term complications https://www.greencrossvets.com.au/aftercare/dog-cat-lump-removal-surgery-recovery/.
FAQs About Dog Ear Papillae
Dog ear papillae are small bumps located inside the pinna or outer flap of a dog’s ears. While they occur naturally, some pet owners have questions about their purpose and function.
What are dog ear papillae?
The papillae are small projections made of connective tissue that protrude out from the inner surface of a dog’s ear canal. They help circulate air and debris to keep the ears cleaned out and prevent infection (Source).
What causes irritation of the papillae?
The papillae can become irritated by allergies, foreign objects getting lodged, overly moist environments that enable yeast and bacteria to grow, ear mites, and autoimmune diseases. This often leads to an inflammation of the ear canal called otitis externa or an ear infection (Source).
How are irritated papillae treated?
Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause and may include cleaning the ears, using medicated ear drops to control infection and inflammation, treating ear mites, managing allergies, and plucking hair around the ear canal for increased air flow and drainage. Preventative measures like keeping ears dry can help minimize irritation (Source).
When should I take my dog to the vet?
You should visit the vet if the ear papillae appear red, inflamed or irritated, if there is debris buildup, your dog is scratching excessively at their ears, or they are showing signs of pain when their ears are touched. The vet can properly examine the ears, diagnose any infection, and provide appropriate treatment.