Ear Infections in Labs

The Labrador Retriever's floppy ears are prone to infection.

According to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center, canine middle ear infections can cause paralysis of the facial nerve, leading to a slack-jawed appearance on that side of the face. Dogs with floppy or droopy ears are more prone to ear infections.

Labrador Retriever

Labrador retrievers are undoubtedly cute and they love the water. Because the lab’s ears are floppy, they do not air out well. When the inside of the ear gets wet, the warmth, darkness and moisture breed germs, easily leading to ear infections.

Ears

Infections can occur either in the outer ear, the inner ear or the middle ear. The outer ear is the ear canal. The inner ear is for hearing and balance and the middle ear houses the eardrum.

Infection

Fungal or yeast infections are common when air does not circulate freely. Allergies, foreign objects, too much ear wax, water, trauma, hormone imbalance or tumors can also lead to ear infections.

Mites

Another common infection can be caused by ear mites. Ear mites cause severe itching and live in the ear canal. Constant scratching can irritate the ear causing inflammation, leading to infection.

Identification

A Labrador retriever whose ears are bothersome may frequently shake his head or tilt it to one side. There may be an odor coming from his ears or there could be redness and swelling.

References

• Ear Infections in Dogs: A Complete Guide to Dog Ear Infections
• Doctors Foster and Smith: Pet Education: Ear Infections (Otitis Esterna) & Ear Cleaning in Dogs
• Dogged Health: Healthy Dog In-Depth: Ear Infections
• Mar Vista Animal Medical Center: Pet Web Library: Ear Infections