Ear Ticks
There are many different types of ticks that can cause problems for the ears. These include: spinous ear tick, tropical horse tick, Gulf Coast tick, and the Lone Star tick. These ticks burrow deep in the auditory canal causing irritation and infection.
Signs & symptoms include head shaking, ear twitching, head tilt, ear
, infection,
ruptured ear drum and possibly meningitis.
Diagnosis is through signs and symptoms and an otoscope to visualize the ticks. Treatment is tick removal, insecticide instilled into ear and ivermectin.
Otitis Media & Interna
Inflammation of the middle ear is usually an extension of otitis externa or from a penetration injury to the ear drum from a foreign body. Haematogenous infection is possible but considered very rare. Signs & symptoms are similar to those of externa. Inflammation of the inner ear could be an extension of otitis media. This is much more serious as it could lead to loss of balance & deafness.
Equine Otohematoma
Equine otohematoma is also known as hematoma auris or auricular pseudocyst. It is a that forms on the ear. Causes are idiopathic but could occur from a trauma, such as a bite, parasites, mites or ticks. The accumulation of blood & serous fluid occurs between the conchal cartilage & perichondrium of the pinnae. Signs & symptoms include ear swelling or edema, pain on palpation, head shaking, head tilt, erythema, serous, bloody or purulent discharge, necrosis of the ear structures and ear deformation.
Diagnosis is through signs & symptoms and treatment involves hematoma. Antibiotics and NSAIDs for supportive care.
to remove the
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss or
in horses is not well recognized. It can be partial or full,
unilateral or bilateral.
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