Introduction
Packing a dog’s ears is a procedure veterinarians sometimes recommend for treating certain ear conditions in canines. It involves placing soft packing material inside the opening of the ear canal. Vets may pack dogs’ ears to treat infections, wounds, or hematomas in the ear. The packing helps protect the ear canal, absorb drainage, and prevent the ear from closing. Proper aftercare is essential to avoid complications. While packing can be an effective treatment option for some dogs, alternatives may be available depending on the underlying cause. This article provides an overview of reasons vets pack dogs’ ears, materials used, the packing process, aftercare, signs of complications, and when to seek veterinary assistance.
Reasons Vets Pack Dog’s Ears
Veterinarians will often recommend ear packing as part of treating an ear infection or preventing one from developing. Here are some of the main reasons vets pack dogs’ ears:
Prevent infections – Packing a dog’s ears after surgery or other treatments can help prevent bacterial or fungal infections from taking hold while the ear is healing. The packing creates a protective barrier.
Treat current infections – Ear infections are common in dogs, especially breeds with floppy ears like Cocker Spaniels. Vets may pack medication deep into the ear canal to treat infected tissue that medicine applied topically can’t reach.Patton Veterinary Hospital
Keep ears clean after surgery/treatment – Packing helps protect the sensitive ear canal after procedures like surgery or flushing/cleaning. It keeps debris out while the ear heals.
Common Materials Used
One of the most common materials vets use to pack dog’s ears is cotton. Cotton balls or cotton gauze pads are gentle, soft, and comfortable against a dog’s sensitive ear canal. The cotton absorbs any fluid or blood from a hematoma while also providing cushioning and support. Vets may wrap a cotton wick or roll tightly into the ear canal to apply pressure and prevent further damage.
Cotton ear packing is inexpensive and readily available at any veterinary clinic. It’s a tried and true material that has been used for years. The cotton fibers don’t stick to the healing tissues in the ear which reduces irritation. Cotton also won’t cause an allergic reaction in most dogs. It’s a natural fiber that breathes well, unlike synthetic materials.
The main downside to cotton is that it can shift or fall out since it’s not secured in place. Dogs may paw at their ears trying to remove cotton packing. Vets may tape the dog’s ears or place a cone on their head to prevent dislodgement of the cotton. Otherwise, cotton is an excellent choice for packing dog’s ears after surgery or hematoma drainage.
When Ear Packing is Necessary
Vets may recommend ear packing for dogs with chronic or severe ear infections that have not responded to other treatments. Prolonged inflammation and infection can damage the ear canal, so packing helps deliver medication deep inside the ear (source: https://pet-medcenter.com/patient-resources/health-topics/ear-infections-and-ear-cleaning/).
Ear packing is also commonly done after surgery, such as an ear canal ablation. Packing prevents debris from entering the surgical site while it heals. It also allows medication to be applied directly to the incision (source: https://www.justanswer.com/dog-health/58kir-when-dog-s-ear-infected-pack.html).
The Ear Packing Process
The ear packing procedure will usually require sedation or anesthesia for the dog. This allows the vet to thoroughly clean, flush, and pack the ear canal without the dog feeling pain or being uncooperative.
First, the veterinarian will sedate or anesthetize the dog to keep them still and comfortable during the procedure. Once the dog is relaxed, the vet will use an ear flushing solution to thoroughly clean the ear canal and remove any debris or buildup. This allows them to inspect the ear canal and eardrum for any damage or infection.
After a thorough cleaning, the vet will insert packing material into the ear canal. Common packing materials include cotton balls soaked in medication, silicone sheets or tubes, and waxy substances like BNT or Otitis Externa powder. The packing helps prevent the canal walls from adhering while also delivering medication directly to infected or inflamed areas.
The vet will pack the canal firmly but not tightly, allowing ample space for air flow and drainage. Once the packing is in place, the procedure is complete. The dog will need to return in several days or weeks to have the packing removed and the ears rechecked.
Aftercare
After a dog’s ears have been packed by a veterinarian, proper aftercare is essential for a full recovery. An Elizabethan collar, also known as an E-collar, should be used to prevent the dog from scratching or rubbing at its ears and dislodging the packing material. As noted by PetCoach, “Because the packing makes the ear feel weird, dogs will often shake their head excessively and try to scratch at their ears with their back leg to get the packing out. For this reason, an E collar is essential.”
The dog’s owner should monitor the ears for any signs of complications like swelling, redness, pain, or discharge. As advised by VCA Hospitals, “Your veterinarian will likely want to recheck your pet in 5-7 days to look in the ears and make sure they are doing well. The ears are often repacked at this recheck appointment.” If the dog is scratching or rubbing at the ears excessively, it should be brought back to the vet sooner.
To keep the ears clean, they can be gently wiped with a warm, damp cloth around the outer ear only once per day. Cleaning too deep in the ear canal could displace the packing material. Any prescription ear medications or drops should be administered as directed by the veterinarian. Restricting activity, keeping the dog indoors, and preventing water from entering the ears can also aid recovery after ear packing.
Signs of Complications
While ear packing is generally an effective treatment, there are some potential complications to watch for. If your dog continues to show signs of discomfort or the infection persists, contact your veterinarian.
Some of the most common signs of complications from ear packing include:
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Persistent head shaking – If your dog continues shaking its head frequently after the ear packing, this could indicate irritation or continued discomfort. The packing may need to be removed and replaced.
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Redness/swelling – Look inside your dog’s ears for any redness or swelling. This could signal an allergic reaction or worsening infection. Notify your vet promptly if you notice swelling that continues to get worse.
While occasional head shaking immediately after packing is normal as the dog adjusts, ongoing head shaking or shaking that increases in frequency warrants a veterinary recheck. Redness and swelling at the site of packing may also indicate an adverse reaction. Stay alert for these signs of complications so you can get timely veterinary assistance.
Alternatives to Packing
There are some alternatives to ear packing that vets may recommend depending on the underlying cause of the ear issues:
Oral Medication
Antibiotics or antifungals can be prescribed in pill or liquid form for dogs who have infections in their ears. Oral medication allows the medicine to circulate through the bloodstream and treat infections from the inside out. These medications can help clear up underlying bacterial or fungal infections. According to one source, oral medication may be preferred for serious infections that have spread beyond the external ear canal (source).
Topical Treatments
Ear cleansers and medicated drops can be applied directly into the ear canal to treat infections and inflammation. These topical treatments can help clear up mild infections without the need for ear packing. One topical treatment called Oti-Soothe has antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties to manage common ear issues in dogs (source).
When to Seek Veterinary Care
Even with proper aftercare, complications can sometimes arise after a dog’s ears have been packed. Contact your veterinarian right away if you notice any of the following signs:
– Severe head shaking or scratching at the ears, which may indicate the ear packing is causing discomfort. According to Leo’s Pet Care blog, persistent head shaking can be a sign of ongoing irritation or infection.
– Any colored discharge coming from the ears, which could signal that the infection is not fully resolved. As mentioned on JustAnswer.com, discharge is usually a sign that additional veterinary treatment is needed.
Prompt veterinary attention is crucial if complications arise after ear packing, as the infection could worsen or spread. Contact your vet right away if severe symptoms persist so they can re-examine your dog and determine next steps for treatment.
Conclusion
Ear packing is a common and helpful procedure that vets use to treat ear infections, hematomas, and other ear conditions in dogs. The most common materials used are cotton gauze or wicking material soaked in medication. While the process can be unpleasant, it allows medication to remain in contact with the irritated area for an extended period. Following your vet’s aftercare instructions closely can help avoid complications. Signs of problems include odor, discharge or bleeding. Though ear packing sounds invasive, it provides more effective treatment than ear drops alone. By following veterinary recommendations, you can help your dog heal as quickly and comfortably as possible.
In summary, ear packing is an effective treatment that allows medication to have prolonged contact with the irritated ear canal. Vets use cotton gauze and antibiotic ointments to pack the canal lightly yet snugly. There can be some discomfort during and after the procedure. However, following aftercare instructions helps minimize complications. While waiting for the ears to heal, owners should watch for any concerning signs and contact the vet if issues arise. When done correctly, packing alleviates ear infections better than drops or ointments alone.