Ruptured Eardrums in Dogs

Does it seem like your dog is ignoring you? Your pup might have a ruptured eardrum. Our veterinarians in Norristown explain how to tell if your dog may have a ruptured eardrum, and share tips to treat this canine condition.

What to Know About a Dog's Eardrum

Dogs' ears are divided into three sections: the outer, middle, and inner ear. The middle ear houses the smallest bones, such as the malleus, incus, and stapes. The eardrum is extremely delicate and can easily be damaged during ear cleaning or by infection or disease.

The eardrum is responsible for carrying sounds from the environment to the three bones in the middle ear and then to the labyrinth. Any issue affecting the eardrum's structure and integrity, such as an infection or perforation, can significantly impair a dog's hearing ability. If a dog has any problem with their eardrum, it is a severe health issue that requires immediate veterinary attention.

What Happens When a Dog’s Eardrum Ruptures

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, you should take him to a veterinarian right away for emergency care. These symptoms include:

Neurological signs such as stumbling, nystagmus, and a drooping face may indicate other serious problems. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, it's important to take them to the vet immediately.

Causes of Eardrum Ruptures in Dogs

Your dog's eardrum can rupture due to various reasons, many of which can be prevented with caution. Here are some of the most common causes of eardrum ruptures:

Ear Infections: Ear infections are the leading cause of eardrum rupture. Long-term inflammation can lead to a rupture in chronic ear infections. When the membrane ruptures, bacteria and yeast from the outer ear can enter the middle and inner ear, leading to a more severe infection.

Loud Noises: A ruptured eardrum can be caused by being too close to loud noises, such as fireworks displays or gunshots. Although loud noise from afar won't harm your dog, being too close to an extremely loud noise will.

Trauma: A dog's eardrum can be damaged from a traumatic injury, such as being hit by a car or falling from a great height.

Polyps or Masses: If a polyp or mass grows too large in your dog's ear canal, it can press against and rupture the eardrum.

Drastic Changes in Atmospheric Pressure: An eardrum rupture can be caused by sudden and severe changes in air pressure, such as during a flight in an airplane.

Foreign Object in the Ear: Did you know that a dog's ear canal is L-shaped, making it hard to puncture the eardrum? Even though it is a rare case, migrating foxtail can enter the body and migrate into tissues, causing abscesses and infections. 

How to Know if Your Dog's Eardrum Has Ruptured

A veterinarian can determine if your dog's eardrum has ruptured. If your dog has significant swelling, ear debris, or pain, they will most likely require sedation or anesthesia. Pain relievers and general anesthesia can help your dog remain calm and relaxed while the injured ear is cleaned and examined.

After your dog is sedated (if necessary), the veterinarian will gently flush out debris to clean the ear canal. After cleaning the ear, an otoscope can be used to examine the eardrum to determine if it is perforated.

Your veterinarian may order additional diagnostic tests to rule out other possible causes and determine the presence of an infection. In some cases, a CT scan may be necessary to determine if an eardrum has ruptured and if there is an infection in the inner ear.

How to Treat Eardrum Ruptures in Dogs

If your dog's eardrum ruptures, your veterinarian will explain the available treatment options to you. A thorough ear flushing is required to remove any foreign matter or pus, which is usually performed under sedation.

Your dog may also require oral antifungal and antibiotic medications. If your dog is in pain or has inflammation, corticosteroids may be prescribed.

It is critical to avoid over-the-counter medications because they can harm your dog. In severe cases, surgery may be required to repair extensive damage caused by a ruptured eardrum. Your vet will recommend the best surgical procedure for your dog.

Helping Your Dog Recover From a Ruptured Ear Drum

If your dog has a ruptured eardrum, following your veterinarian's treatment plan is important. If surgery is not necessary, the eardrum will usually heal on its own within three to six weeks.

However, if your dog needs surgery, the recovery period will be longer, and they will require more frequent veterinary visits. Depending on the severity of the rupture, your dog may experience permanent hearing loss or neurological complications.

Listening to your veterinarian's advice and caring for your pet accordingly is critical.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Do you think your dog might be suffering from a ruptured eardrum? Contact our Norristown vets today to book an appointment for your dog.