Bacterial problems of the outer ear

Continued

 

I had promised last week that we would go delving into the ‘middle ear’ in order to ascertain what sort of stomach-turning maladies we will find there. Then it occurred to me that although we have been discussing ailments of the ‘outer ear’ (haematomas, mites, biting flies, fungus infections, etc) we have not dealt with bacterial invasions. Let’s correct that omission today.

20130407pet cornerFirstly, it should be recognized that the (excessive) existence of wax and accumulated dirt will predispose to bacterial invasion and settlement. Of course, allergies, moisture, thick clumps of hair and all those foreign bodies, (eg, grass seeds, burrs, etc), biting insects, etc, will create a milieu which is conducive to the flourishing of bacteria. The type of weather we have in Guyana (hot, humid) creates an environment in which germs can be nurtured and flourish.

Dogs (especially those with floppy ears and long hair), cats and rabbits seem to be the