Ear infection in pets can be caused by several different maladies, and there are several distinct treatments necessary. Ear infection is a common problem in dogs and cats. Symptoms of ear infection include odor, excessive scratching or rubbing of the ears, discharge, redness or swelling and head shaking.
Typical costs:
There are three basic types of ear infections: Ear mites, bacterial infection and yeast infection. Each has its own treatment method.
Treatment for parasitic ear mites is available over the counter for between $9 and $13. For example, Bio-Groom[1] is available for about $11at Amazon.
Treatment for a bacterial infection is an antibiotic, which can cost $10-$30+ depending on the type of antibiotic, amount included and location. For example, Tresaderm[2] is available by prescription at 1800petmeds.com[3] for about $25.
Treatment for a yeast infection is an antifungal medication, which can cost $2-$40+ depending on type and amount. For example, Otomax[4] , a popular antifungal, is available by prescription at NationalPetPharmacy.com[5] for between $10 and $30.
Ear mites are tiny parasites that dogs and cats pass from one to another through physical contact. They're often visible as small specks that look like pepper. If using an over-the-counter medication, be sure to use it for the recommended one-month period because that will kill all ear mites, even those that were young at first application.
To read more about ear mites and its treatments, visit VeterinaryPartner.com[6]
PetEducation.com explains the intricacies of ear mites in dogs[7] and cats[8] , summarizing all types of ear infections.
Bacterial and yeast infections can be caused by moisture, hormonal changes, allergies, or genetics.
Additional costs:
If a dog or cat frequently socializes with other animals -- for example, if the cat roams around the neighborhood or the dog is taken to a dog park -- consider applying an ear mite preventive medicine. If one pet in a household has been found with mites, treat all the pets in the household.
Veterinarians recommend cleaning a pet's ears monthly to avoid infections. Ear cleaners are available for about $4 for 21st Century Clean Ear[9] , a simple powder, to $17 for Best Ear Relief[10] , a higher-end solution.
PetEducation.com provides a video on how to clean a cat's ears [11] at home.
Shopping for pet ear infection treatment:
Although many different types of ear infections look the same, their treatments are unique. Be sure to know which type of infection the pet has to avoid unnecessary or fruitless treatment.
The American Veterinary Medical Association has a vet finder[12] tool.
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First visit: double ear cytology, double ear cleaning, ocernia meds both ears, exam fee 197$ Second visit: ear cleaning and meds $80 Third visit: assholes charged me more than originally stated for just one ear. Ear cytology both ears, ear cleaning even though his ears looks pristine, and meds for one ear oh and the exam alone… 123$! Not being able to buy groceries now… priceless. They want a follow up in 2 weeks but F that!
My 4 month old puppy had brown discharge and an odor coming from her ears. She was constantly scratching. Took her to her vet and explained; I know she has an infection in her ear. Please be conservative in your care for her to help my with cost please. She said ok and have her; An exam $56 Cytology $40 Osurina otic treatment $49 pHnotix $24 For a total of $169 which I didn’t find to be all that unreasonable. She is now on the road to treatment and a happy pup!
procudure examination cytology ear flush and irrigation major propylene glycol and dexamethasone penicillin g injectable animax 30ml ciprofloxacin ketoconazole my poor baby
My dog had a middle ear infection that coat $48.50 for the cytology ear swab and $35.86 for the Claro ear gel treatment. He ended up have infected anal glands which cost $33.50 to express and a shot of convenia antibiotics for $52.51. The ear and anal infections were the cause of IBS so new prescription dog food was $41.98. Plus Nexguard flea preventative for $22.50 a month and $67.50 for the exam.
My 5 month old puppy was constantly scratching and tilting his head. Once he had a grooming appointment they mentioned the smell and buildup in his ears. I took him to the vet and the ear treatment totaled 191.36 which included the ear treatment:140.36, ear cleaning, physical examination, ear cytology, Animax ointment: 28.14 and Bio Hazard fee: 3.35. There was also a shot that would help control the itching but the vet did not recommend it because he was too young so they took 20 dollars off the original total.
Our male 2 year old tabby was showing signs of anxiety so we took him to the vets, low and behold all of a sudden he had a scratch in one of his ears and fungal infection in the other, they swabbed both ears and said we need to use ear drops. Paid $60 for ear drops, $70 for the swab and testing, $50 for the consult.
Test 177 Eye drops 43 This was to diagnose dry eyes and prescribe drops for an elderly dog. Did not have it done but Vet also wanted to clean ears. Another 400.
My 7 month old kitten was scratching her ears a lot and making a whining noise. I looked inside her ear and saw some black stuff. I thought she had mites so I brought her to the vet and they charged me $60 for the visit and $30 for the medicine. They also cleaned her ears and shows me how to put the drops in. A little over priced but as long as the infection doesn’t come back I’ll be happy.
Type of Treatment: Fungal or yeast infection unsubstantiate
Cost: $197.00
Cat was over grooming shaking head a lot. Get charges Flat fee 65.00 to be seen. Another 65.00 dollars to take a ear sample under the microscope to differentiate the sample. 30.00 for steroid injection 37.00 Antifungal medication for the ears. Wow. $197.00 to see if it was a fungal infection or food allergies. It was both.
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