如何诊断宠物耳部感染?
Diagnosis of Ear Infections in Pets
Physical Examination:
- Observe the pet's facial expressions, body posture, and overall demeanor.
- Palpate the ear canal for any signs of redness, swelling, or discharge.
- Inspect the external ear for signs of inflammation, redness, or discharge.
Clinical Signs:
- Ear discharge that is green, yellow, or bloody.
- Pain or discomfort when the ear is touched or touched.
- Head shaking or rubbing the ears.
- Fever (in severe cases).
- Nasal discharge.
Diagnostic Tests:
- Otoscopy: A thin, flexible tube with a camera on the end is inserted into the ear canal to visualize the ear canal and ear drum.
- Ear swab: A small swab is inserted into the ear canal to collect a sample for bacterial culture.
- Blood tests: Blood tests may be performed to rule out underlying medical conditions.
Differential Diagnoses:
- Bacterial infections: Common causes of ear infections in pets include bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Escherichia coli.
- Viral infections: Viruses such as adenovirus, influenza, and parainfluenza can also cause ear infections.
- Parasites: Parasites such as fleas, ticks, and ear mites can also cause ear infections.
- Foreign objects: Objects such as grass, dirt, or other foreign objects can become lodged in the ear canal and cause an infection.
Treatment:
- The type of treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the infection.
- Antibiotics are typically prescribed for bacterial infections.
- Antiviral medications are typically prescribed for viral infections.
- Parasite treatment may be recommended for parasitic infections.
- Pain relief medication may be necessary.
Prevention:
- Keep your pet away from contact with other animals that are sick.
- Avoid allowing your pet to lick its ears.
- Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the ears, and avoid using harsh chemicals.
- Trim your pet's nails regularly to prevent them from getting caught on objects.
