What are ruptured eardrums in dogs?
The eardrum is a thin layer of tissue that sits deep inside your dog's ear canal. It separates the middle and inner ear from the external ear. The eardrum's primary function is to transmit sounds from the outer ear, through the ear canal and to the bones (ossicles) in the middle ear. These bones then pass the sounds to the brain so they can be processed.
If the integrity and structure of the eardrum become compromised, the eardrum can rupture or tear. Unfortunately, many different issues, like infection, trauma and illness, can lead to a ruptured eardrum.
When looking for signs of a rupture, you might notice symptoms like your dog moving their head around strangely or vocalizing pain. Left untreated, a ruptured eardrum may eventually cause permanent hearing loss.
How to Know if Your Dog's Eardrum Has Ruptured
If your dog does not respond when you call their name, you may be inclined to believe they are just ignoring you. However, if your dog has ruptured their eardrum, they may actually be unable to hear you.
Several symptoms commonly accompany ruptured eardrums in dogs. These include:
- Ear pain
- Pus-like discharge from the ear
- Sudden hearing loss
- Inflamed or red ear canal
- Shaking their head
- Tilting their head
- Incoordination or stumbling
- Eyes that dart back and forth (nystagmus)
- Paralysis of the face, including an inability to blink
What causes eardrum ruptures?
There are many possible causes of eardrum ruptures. Some may be easier to diagnose than others, and you should always seek treatment, even if the cause isn't obvious.
Some of the typical causes of ruptured eardrums in dogs include:
- Ear infection
- Exposure to toxins (including certain medications)
- Trauma
- Extremely loud noises
- Foreign objects that have been lodged in the ear canal
- Sudden changes in atmospheric pressure
When should you take your dog to the veterinarian?
You should bring your dog to Coastal Care Veterinary Emergency & Referral Hospital for emergency care right away if they show signs of a ruptured eardrum.
Our emergency veterinarians will perform a thorough examination and diagnostics to determine the severity of the rupture and develop a treatment plan. This may include ear flushing, medications and in some cases, surgery. You should never give your dog medicine for their ears unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian.
You can expect your dog's recovery to take around three to six weeks if surgery is not required and your dog responds well to the treatment plan. If your dog needs surgery to repair the issue, recovery may take longer, and you will need to bring them in for follow-up visits to monitor their condition.
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 veterinarian.