Dear Dr. Kraemer, Despite several rounds of treatment, Max ear infection seems persistent, and I’m growing increasingly concerned. 🐾🚨
Max frequently scratches at his ears, and shakes his head, and there’s a noticeable odor. What steps can we take to understand and resolve Max’s ongoing ear troubles?
Your guidance has been invaluable in the past, and I trust your expertise in Bulldog health.
Warm regards, Joe and Lisa #MaxTheBulldog #OngoingEarInfection” 🙏💕
Bulldog Ear Infection Introduction:
Ear infections in bulldogs and French bulldogs are common in the breed. It is primarily attributed to the breed’s genetically narrow ear canals and propensity to allergies. This condition has been exacerbated by selective breeding practices, making these beloved breeds particularly susceptible to ear-related problems.
Common manifestations would be
- itching (ears and at times skin)
- pain
- redness
- smell
- swelling
EARLY PREVENTION IS CRITICAL
What Is Bulldog Ear Infection?
Ear diseases in bulldogs and French bulldogs often involve inflammation and infection. These conditions are frequently associated with skin allergies and skin diseases (dermatitis).
Infections, are usually secondary, and often involve a mix of bacteria and yeast, though parasites such as mites are also possible.
Bulldog Ear Infection 5 X MUST KNOW
- Bulldogs are prone to ear infections due to their inherent narrow ear canal and propensity to allergies
- They also suffer from poor upward cell migration and wax transcription.
- Without early prevention and treatment, the ear narrowing can become irreversible (end stage)
- Daily ear rinsing and wiping can prevent the infection and the end-stage disease
- Prevention and care include Dr. Kraemer’s Bulldog Ear Infection Otitis Bundles.
Members of this bulldog community prefer prevention over RX
BULLDOG EAR ANATOMY:
Your bulldog’s external ear canal starts vertically at the top and then takes a sharp 90-degree turn becoming the horizontal external ear canal, ending at the eardrum (tympanic membrane).
Cause Of French Bulldog Ear Infection
Here is a short list of the three most common causes of your bulldog and French bulldog ear disease
1. BULLDOG ABNORMAL EAR CANAL
Due to their brachycephalic, smooshed faces, bulldogs are born with abnormally narrowed external ear canals that hinder ventilation and the movement of ear wax.
2. BULLDOG ABNORMAL EAR CELL MIGRATION
In humans and most dog breeds, the ear canal’s mucosal cell migration and wax movement work upwards, functioning like a conveyor belt that gradually transports earwax outward over days and weeks.
This natural process helps maintain a clean, acidic environment in the external ear canal, preventing infections.
Unfortunately, bulldogs and French bulldogs often experience a disruption in this upward movement, with some even showing a reverse, downward migration of earwax and cells. This abnormality compounds the breed’s inherently narrow ear canals and significantly increases their risk of ear infections.
3. BULLDOG ALLERGIC OTITIS
Adding to these challenges is the breed’s tendency towards allergies. Allergic otitis is often due to food hypersensitivity and environmental allergens (atopy). This combination of a narrow ear canal and allergic predispositions makes ear infections a common and recurrent issue.
Ear infections in bulldogs can start very early, sometimes within just a few weeks of age, highlighting the importance of vigilant ear care and monitoring for owners of these breeds.
ALLERY IS A COMMON CAUSE OF EAR DISEASE
Bulldog Ear Infection Main Cause Summary:
- Allergies:
- Narrow Ear Canal
- Poor Cell Migration
- Lack of Wax Upward Movement
Bulldog Ear Disease Other Cause:
Ear infections can also be due to less common causes, such as:
- Hormonal imbalances, like
- hypothyroidism
- hypoadrenalism (Cushing syndrome)
- Tumors & polyps
- Foreign bodies like foxtail.
- Ear Mites
Bulldog And French Bulldog Ear Infection Symptoms
- Exudative Discharge
- Swollen Ear
- Ulcerative and crusty
- Smelly
- Painful to touch
- Itchy
Complications of Untreated Bulldog Ear Infection
The most common complication of untreated bulldog ear infection is a
- stenotic closed down narrowed ear canal
- hypertrophic irreversible end-stage ear canal
END STAGE IRREVERSIABLE EAR DISEASE
Bulldog and French Bulldog Ear Infection / DIAGNOSIS:
- Dr. otoscopic exam: r/o polyps, mass and tympanic membrane
- Cytology: bacteria, yeast, inflammatory cells, abnormal cells
- Culture: to identify the bacteria and the best antibiotic to treat it
- Imaging: Less common (radiographs, endoscopes, MRI, CT)
Bulldog and French Bulldog Ear Infection PREVENTIVE CARE:
Early and frequent cleaning, wiping, and flushing can help prevent:
- Ear infections
- Ear disease
- Ear pain
- Needless discomfort
- $$$ Dr. exam
- $$$ Treatment
- $$$ RX
- $$$$$ Surgery
Because bulldog ears do not self-clean we must do it for them.
DR. KRAEMER’S BULLY EAR TOPICAL THERAPEUTICS
- Early: Preventing ear infections must start early.
- Regular: frequent preventive cleansing, wiping, flushing, and rinsing are critical.
- Preventive: Remove wax, maintain ideal PH, and dry the ears, prevent swelling and infection
- V4B Bully WaxLess Aloe Ear Rinse
- V4B Bully Yeasty Bully Antiseptic Ear Rinse
- V4B Bully Cleansing Wipes
DR. KRAEMER’S BULLY EAR THERAPEUTIC SUPPLEMENTS
Bully ear preventive therapeutics will help heal the skin barrier and help control itching, allergies, otitis, and dermatitis.
- V4B Bully Fish Oil IMMUNE-JOINTS-SKIN
- V4B Bully Immune Support
- V4B Bully Skin & Coat Derma Clean
- V4B Bully ItchLess & Allergy Formula
WELLCOME TO PREVENTION OVER RX BULLY COMMUNITY
Remember,
- There is a learning curve to becoming an expert.
- Repetition will help you recognize even minor changes from the norm.
Dr. Kraemer’s free “Bully Ear Maintenance Toolbox” includes
- articles
- photos
- diagrams
- videos
How to Clean Bulldog Ear Infection:
- WIPING: Use the bully cleansing wipes to remove debris from the ear flap.
- APPLICATION: Fill your bully’s ear canal, and coat the entire canal.
- CLEANING: Take a cotton ball and gently insert it as far as it will go using your fingers. There’s no need to be scared; you can’t go past the curve of the canal and damage the eardrum with a finger or a cotton ball.
- TWISTING: Twist the cotton ball around and bring it up for inspection.
- INSPECTION: Don’t forget to survey the texture and color of the inner pinna (the inner part leading to the canal).
- WARNING: Q-tips should only be used for the top part and ear-flap folds (pinna).
Are Bulldog Ear Infection Painful?:
Ear Infection is painful, remember your pet feels pain just as you do. Treating Chronic and severe otitis should always include
1. EAR INFECTION PAIN MANAGEMENT
Bulldog ear infection pain management often includes a mix of bully topical and supplement bully therapeutics. More severe pain might require prescription analgesics.
- V4B Bully Comfort & AcheLess (Non-RX)
- NSAID: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories
- Steroids
- Gabapentin
- Tramadol
2. NON-RX PAIN RELIEF:
- Cold Laser Therapy
- Pulse Electromagnetic Therapy
- V4B Bully Fish Oil SKIN-IMMUNE-JOINT
3. EAR INFECTION ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES
Bulldog ear infection pain management is usually combined with anti-inflammatories to reduce swell and itch. They often include topical and supplement bully therapeutics. More severe pain might require prescription medication.
RX:
- Steroid: usually in the form of topical drops or ointments
- NSAID: nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories
BULLY THERAPEUTIC
Ear Infection in Bulldogs and Otitis In French Bulldogs TREATMENT:
Most times, topical bully therapeutics and topical prescription medication are sufficient
1. BULLY TOPICAL NON-PRESCRIPTION THERAPEUTICS
- EAR RINSE & CLEANSING WIPES:
- V4B Bully WaxLess Ear Rinse
- V4B Bully Yeasty Bully Antiseptic Ear Rinse
- V4B Bully Ear Cleansing Wipes
2. EAR INFECTION RX:
- Topical Ear Medication: usually combines:
- antibacterial
- Antifungal
- anti-inflammatory (steroid)
Systemic antibiotic or antifungal is only required for otitis media (inner canal infection)
Bulldog and French Bulldog Ear Infection FAQ:
Ear Cleaning Frequency Question: How often should I clean my bulldog’s ears as a preventive measure?
Dr. Kraemer Answers: Start cleaning your bulldog’s ears twice weekly. After a few weeks, assess the wax and discharge you collect on your wipe or cotton ball. Based on this, you can decide if you need to clean their ears more or less frequently.
How Deep Question: I am afraid to push my cotton ball too deep and rupture my bulldog’s eardrum.
Dr. Kraemer Answers: Watch our “ear cleaning video demo.” Your bulldog’s external ear canal turns 90 degrees before it reaches the eardrum. While you can get past this turn with a Q-tip, you won’t be able to go beyond it with your cotton ball or finger, ensuring you won’t damage the eardrum.
Ear Infection in Bulldog TIPS & WARNINGS:
Below are selected ear disease tips & warnings, courtesy of Dr. Kremer
1. BULLY FISH OIL FOR BULLDOGS TIP:
Omega 3 EFA Fish has good anti-inflammatory properties and might help reduce otitis (inflammation).
2. BULLDOG FOOD ALLERGY TIP:
For chronic cases, consider an 8–12-week trial of a strict hypoallergenic diet (hydrolyzed or novel) to rule out underlying bulldog food allergy.
3. BULLDOG ATOPIC ALLERGY TIP:
An allergen blood test can be done to rule out atopic allergies.
4. BULLDOG EAR INFECTION ANXIETY TIP:
For bulldogs that are non-cooperative and suffer from high anxiety, it’s advisable to discuss with your veterinarian the possibility of prescribing a “calming prescription” in the form of a mild tranquilizer.
This approach can help prevent injuries to both the pet and the owner, significantly reduce stress, and minimize discomfort during treatment procedures.
You can also try a natural stress relief non-RX like Dr. Kraemer’s
5. EAR INFECTION ITCHING TIP:
Otitis in bulldogs due to allergies might require allergy itch control medication.
- Cortisone
- Antihistamines
- Cytopoint
- Protective Head Gear (E-Cone, Buster Collar)
6. BULLDOG EAR INFECTION LASER THERAPY:
I highly recommend Class 4 cold laser therapy, which I use daily in my practice as part of the short- and long-term treatment and control of ear disease in bulldogs. Laser therapy is inexpensive, has no adverse effects, helps reduce swelling and pain, and enhances healing.
7. EAR INFECTION SKIN TIP:
Bulldog’s ears are an extension of their skin, thus skin allergies can extend to the ears.
8. SINGEL EAR INFECTION TIP:
Bulldog and French bulldog atopic dermatitis are rooted in the breed’s genes. It’s a common misconception that if only one ear is affected, it cannot be triggered by an allergy.
However, your bulldog can suffer from allergy-related otitis externa in just one ear.
1. ORAL ANTIBIOTICS FOR EAR INFECTION WARNING:
Oral antibiotics are not recommended for otitis externa; they are costly, not very effective, and, can lead to resistance.
Systemic antibiotics should be avoided in most bulldogs otitis externa cases.
2. BULLDOG OTITIS MEDIA WARNING:
Otitis Media in bulldogs (middle ear infection) can occur in chronic cases or with ear polyps and tumors.
In those cases, we also might see neurological problems like head tilt, twitchy eyeballs, circling, ataxia (wobbly), and nausea.
Your vet might recommend diagnostic imaging like X-ray, CT, or MRI.
3. SURGERY FOR EAR INFECTION WARNING:
If your veterinarian suggests a partial ear resection for what appears to be end-stage stenotic (narrowed) ears, it might be wise to seek a second opinion. In situations where surgery emerges as the sole viable option, your Bulldog may probably require a more comprehensive procedure, specifically a total ear canal ablation with bulla osteotomy (TECA w/BO).
This procedure addresses severe ear canal disease more effectively by removing the entire ear canal and addressing the middle ear, which is often necessary in advanced cases to alleviate pain and prevent further complications.
4. BULLDOG EAR DISEASE SURGEON WARNING:
Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) for bulldogs is a highly specialized surgery, and it is crucial to seek out a surgeon with extensive experience in performing this procedure.
In bulldogs suffering from end-stage ear disease, the ear’s anatomy is often severely altered, complicating the surgery. The procedure involves navigating close to essential nerves and blood vessels, and meticulous cleaning of the bulla to eliminate all bacteria is imperative. If not performed correctly, there’s a risk your bulldog could suffer from neurological issues or develop a chronic draining tract, leading to ongoing problems.
However, when TECA is successfully carried out by a qualified and experienced surgeon, the outcome can be life-changing for your bulldog. This surgery can relieve your pet from the relentless pain associated with end-stage ear disease, significantly improving their quality of life. Your bulldog will undoubtedly be much happier and more comfortable, grateful for the relief from what was once a constant source of discomfort.
5. EAR INFECTION ITCH WARNING:
If your bulldog rubs and itches its ears, address the itchiness promptly with appropriate medication and place a protective Elizabethan collar (buster collar).
This preventive measure is crucial because scratching can severely traumatize the blood vessels in the ear flap (pinna), leading to an “aural hematoma,” a significant accumulation of blood within the pinna that typically requires surgical intervention to repair.
Additionally, scratching can irritate and inflame the ear canal’s lining, causing swelling, ulcers, and further discomfort for your bulldog. Taking immediate action can help prevent these complications and ensure your pet’s comfort and health.
Ear Infection in French Bulldogs CONCLUSION:
- Prevention: practice preventive cleaning to avoid bulldog ear disease, otitis, and infection
- Early Start & Frequent: Start the preventive clean early, due it frequently and for the life of your bully
- Topical Bully Therapeutics: use bully ear waxLess rinse and cleansing wipes
- Bully therapeutic Supplements: should be combined with topical
- bully fish oil
- bully itchLess & allergy
- and bully skin & coat chew formulation
By practicing those simple low-cost cost safe preventive measures you will avoid expensive and painful treatment and potentially irreversible ear canal disease
END-STAGE IRRIVERSIABLE BULLDOG EAR DISEASE
The relentless cycle of chronic infection, involving both yeast and bacteria, coupled with inflammation characterized dan lead to an irreversible condition where the cells lining the ear canal undergo
- fibrosis
- followed by calcification
- mineralization,
- and eventually, ossification (bone)
In situations where the bone has replaced the normal epithelial lining of the ear canal, undergoing a Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) with Lateral Bulla Osteotomy (LBO) emerges as the sole effective treatment option.
This surgical intervention is designed to remove the diseased ear canal entirely, thereby eliminating the source of infection and discomfort, and significantly alleviating your bulldog’s pain and suffering.
Recommended by Owners Approved by Bulldogs
