Ear Infections in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are renowned for their beautiful, long, feathered ears. While these ears are an important part of the breed’s distinctive appearance, they can also require careful attention to keep them healthy.

Ear infections in dogs, also known as otitis, can be uncomfortable and painful. Cavalier owners should know the signs of an ear problem and understand why prompt veterinary attention is important.

What is an ear infection?

An ear infection occurs when inflammation or infection develops within part of the ear. Otitis externa affects the external ear canal and is one of the most common ear disorders seen in dogs.

A range of factors can contribute to ear inflammation, including allergies, parasites, foreign material, bacteria and yeast. Changes within the ear can allow normally present microorganisms to multiply and cause problems.

Ear infections can affect one or both ears and may be acute or recurrent.

Signs of an ear infection in a Cavalier

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels can be particularly expressive when something is bothering them, but some ear problems can be subtle.

Look out for:

• Frequent head shaking

• Scratching or pawing at the ears

• Rubbing the ears against furniture or the floor

• Redness or swelling

• A noticeable or unpleasant odour

• Discharge or excessive wax

• Scaly or irritated skin

• Sensitivity or pain when the ears are touched

• Holding the head differently

• Changes in hearing

• A head tilt or problems with balance

These signs can have several possible causes, so it is important not to assume that every ear problem is simply an ear infection.

Why can ear problems be important in Cavaliers?

There is another ear condition that Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owners should be aware of: Primary Secretory Otitis Media (PSOM).

PSOM is also known as glue ear or middle-ear effusion. It is a condition in which thick mucus accumulates within the middle ear. It is reported particularly in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and is an important consideration when a Cavalier develops certain ear, head or neck symptoms.

Importantly, PSOM is not the same as a conventional external ear infection. A Cavalier can have PSOM even when there is little or no obvious inflammation in the external ear canal.

Signs associated with PSOM can include:

• Head or neck discomfort

• Scratching around the ears or neck

• A guarded or unusual neck position

• Head shaking

• Head tilt

• Hearing impairment

• Balance or coordination problems

• Facial nerve changes

• Unexplained vocalisation

Some of these signs can overlap with other conditions affecting Cavaliers, so veterinary investigation is important.

How are ear infections diagnosed?

If your Cavalier is showing signs of an ear problem, your veterinarian will examine the ears and may use an otoscope to look down the ear canal and assess the eardrum.

A sample of material from the ear may also be examined under a microscope. This can help identify whether bacteria, yeast or other organisms are contributing to the problem and helps the veterinarian select appropriate treatment. In more severe or chronic cases, culture and susceptibility testing may also be recommended.

For suspected middle-ear disease such as PSOM, further investigation may be required. Depending on the circumstances, this can include a detailed examination of the eardrum and advanced imaging such as CT or MRI.

How are ear infections treated?

Treatment depends on what is causing the ear problem.

Your veterinarian may recommend:

• Cleaning the ear canal

• Prescription ear medication

• Antifungal medication where yeast is involved

• Appropriate antibacterial treatment where bacteria are involved

• Medication to reduce inflammation and pain

• Treatment of an underlying allergy or other condition

• Further investigation or treatment where middle-ear disease is suspected

The correct treatment cannot always be determined simply by looking at the ear. Veterinary examination and, where appropriate, microscopic examination of ear debris are important in selecting the right treatment.

Treatment should always be completed according to your veterinarian's instructions. Stopping treatment because an ear looks better can allow an infection to persist or return. Recurrent cases may require further investigation to identify an underlying cause.

Can I treat my Cavalier's ear infection at home?

It is best not to diagnose or treat an ear infection yourself.

Avoid using leftover medication, human ear products or home remedies unless your veterinarian has specifically recommended them. Some substances can irritate an already inflamed ear, and certain medications may be unsafe if the eardrum is damaged.

Cotton buds should also not be pushed down into the ear canal, as this can push debris deeper into the ear and potentially cause injury. Your veterinarian can show you how to safely clean your Cavalier's ears if regular ear cleaning is appropriate for your individual dog.

Caring for your Cavalier's ears

Regularly checking your Cavalier's ears can help you notice changes early.

Look for:

Cleanliness: Is there an unusual amount of wax or discharge?

Odour: Does the ear smell different from normal?

Appearance: Is there redness, swelling or irritation?

Comfort: Does your Cavalier pull away when you touch the ear?

Behaviour: Is your dog suddenly scratching, shaking their head or rubbing their ears?

Keeping the ears appropriately clean and dry can form part of good ear care, but the ideal cleaning routine will vary between individual dogs. Your veterinarian can advise you on the most appropriate ear-cleaning product and frequency for your Cavalier.