Image Gallery: Ear Cleaning

Basic ear cleaning can be quickly and easily performed in the practice setting, usually by a veterinary nurse with an assistant. It is important to obtain any swabs for culture or cytology before cleaning the ears.

Ear cleaning removes cerumen and exudative debris from the ear canal, allowing more complete otoscopic visualization of the ear canal and tympanic membrane and improved effectiveness of medications used to treat bacterial and yeast otitis.

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Figure 1 The veterinarian’s otoscopic examination and cytologic evaluation findings determine the ear-cleaning method and type of cleanser to be used. Gather all necessary supplies before beginning the procedure, including towels, cotton balls, and the appropriate cleanser. Avoid using harsh cleansers and products that contain alcohol in irritated or ulcerated ear canals as these cleansers can increase irritation and pain.¹ Wear gloves to prevent cross-contamination.

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Figure 1 The veterinarian’s otoscopic examination and cytologic evaluation findings determine the ear-cleaning method and type of cleanser to be used. Gather all necessary supplies before beginning the procedure, including towels, cotton balls, and the appropriate cleanser. Avoid using harsh cleansers and products that contain alcohol in irritated or ulcerated ear canals as these cleansers can increase irritation and pain.¹ Wear gloves to prevent cross-contamination.

This article originally appeared in the October 2016 web issue of Veterinary Team Brief.