Barotrauma
Barotrauma is an injury caused by a sudden difference in pressure between the inner and outer ear. This can happen, for example, when you fly or dive with your dog. In this blog post, you will learn how to recognize and prevent barotrauma in your dog.
Symptoms of barotrauma
The symptoms of barotrauma can vary depending on the severity. The most common include:
- Pain in the ear or head
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Bleeding or discharge from the ear
- Hearing loss or tinnitus
- Ear infection or middle ear infection
If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog, you should take him to the vet immediately. Barotrauma can cause permanent damage to the ear or eardrum if left untreated.
Causes of barotrauma
Barotrauma occurs when the pressure in the middle ear does not match the pressure in the surrounding area. The middle ear is an air-filled space behind the eardrum, which is connected to the throat by the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube serves to equalize the pressure in the middle ear by allowing air to flow in or out.
If the pressure in the environment drops or rises quickly, for example when flying or diving, the Eustachian tube cannot react quickly enough. This creates negative or positive pressure in the middle ear, which strains and painfully stretches or tears the eardrum.
Dogs are particularly susceptible to barotrauma because their eustachian tubes are shorter and narrower than those of humans. In addition, they cannot consciously yawn or swallow to help equalize pressure.
Prevention of barotrauma
To prevent barotrauma in your dog, you should take some precautions when flying or diving with him.
- If you fly with your dog, you should take him in the cabin if possible and not in the cargo hold. The cabin is better air-conditioned and has a more stable pressure than the cargo hold.
- When diving with your dog, you should only stay at shallow depths and ascend and descend slowly. You should also make sure that your dog does not have a cold or an ear infection that could block its Eustachian tube.
- You can also put special earmuffs on your dog to reduce the pressure in his ears. These are available in different sizes and shapes for dogs.
- You can also give your dog a painkiller or decongestant before and after flying or diving to relieve the discomfort. But always ask your vet for advice beforehand.
Barotrauma is a serious condition that can affect your dog's well-being and quality of life. With these tips, you can do your best to prevent or treat barotrauma in your dog.
The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.
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