Otitis Externa

Your pet’s ear is shaped like the letter L. The portion you can see from the outside (vertical canal) is only half of the ear canal. The vertical canal angles into the horizontal canal, which ends at the ear drum (tympanic membrane). Otitis externa refers to inflammation of the external ear canal caused by: ear mites, allergies, foreign bodies, and infections to name a few. Pets with otitis externa may shake their head, show pain when pet near their ear, head shaking/rubbing, redness within ear canal, and odor. Some dogs with otitis externa show no symptoms and the infection is found incidentally on examination by the groomer or veterinarian. Physical examination is necessary to examine the ear canal and determine the extent of the inflammation. Your veterinarian will obtain a sample of the discharge from the ear to evaluate for the presence of bacteria, yeast, and mites. Most cases of otitis externa are treated with an ear cleaner, to remove inflammatory debris, and a topical medication to resolve the infection. Recheck examinations are important to ensure that the infection has completely resolved. Unresolved infections may break through the ear drum and progress to a middle ear infection.



The Laser Center
Tri-County Animal Clinic is please to offer Laser Therapy and Laser Surgery for dogs, cats, horses and other animals.

Location Hours
Monday7:30am – 5:00pm
Tuesday7:30am – 5:00pm
Wednesday7:30am – 4:00pm
Thursday7:30am – 5:00pm
Friday7:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday7:30am – 12:00pm
SundayClosed

Please call to make an appointment. We are usually open during lunch hours but feel free to call and check as there are some days that necessitate closing during this time. We are also closed on all major holidays. After Hours/Emergency Number: 931-722-9240 Leave a message if there is no answer at the time of calling!



Our Services
Tri-County Animal Clinic offers services for dogs, cats, equine, cattle and other large and small animals. Learn more about our services.