Ear Discharge in Horses
Key takeaways
Ear discharge occurs in horses when excessive amounts of earwax, blood, or other substances are secreted from the ear(s).
- The most common cause of ear discharge in horses is otitis (inflammation of ear structures) which can be caused by bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection
- Other symptoms that may be noted with ear discharge include itchiness, head shaking, facial paralysis, head tilt, and incoordination
- Horses presenting the symptom may undergo a number of diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause, including physical examination, diagnostic imaging, otoscopic examination, and bacterial culture
- If an underlying cause of the secretion is identified, treatment options may include anti-parasitic medication, antibiotic treatment, pain relief drugs, and corticosteroids
- Prognosis is variable and depends on the cause and timing of treatment
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A closer look: Ear Discharge in Horses
A small amount of ear discharge with no other clinical signs is unlikely to be a cause of concern. Excessive ear discharge is likely to have an underlying condition leading to this symptom in horses.
Excessive secretion from the ear canal, while uncommon, can be the symptom of a number of potential underlying conditions. Discharge caused by inflammation of the middle or inner ear structures (otitis media and otitis interna) can lead to internal bleeding or life-threatening infections in severe cases. Immediate medical attention is advised if additional symptoms such as incoordination, foul-smelling or bloody nasal discharge, or lethargy are noted.
Possible causes
A small amount of ear discharge without any additional signs may not have an obvious underlying cause.
Risk factors
Ear discharge in horses can be formed of different types of substances:
- Ear wax
- Crusting
- Blood
Ear discharge can affect only one, or both ears. The severity of ear discharge can also vary between the two ears (i.e., one ear may have a small amount of discharge whereas the other can have an abundant amount).
While some underlying conditions may present with additional symptoms like a head tilt or itchiness, more severe conditions can have alarming signs like incoordination, facial paralysis, and lethargy.
Testing and diagnosis
Diagnosis of ear discharge is straightforward and is based on a physical examination. Affected horses may undergo a number of diagnostic tests, if other symptoms are present, to determine the underlying cause.
Tests may include:
- Medical history
- Bacterial culture
- Physical examination
- Otoscopic exam
- Endoscopy
- Diagnostic imaging
- Cytology (microscopic examination of the discharge, hair, or ear/skin cells)
If an underlying cause is diagnosed, treatment options depend on the underlying cause of the discharge and may include:
- Anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroids
- Antibiotics, anti-fungal, or anti-parasitic medication
- Surgery
Similar symptoms
Ear discharge is unlikely to be mistaken for other symptoms.
Associated symptoms
Depending on the condition causing the discharge, horses can present a number of other symptoms.
