First, how urgent is this?
Go now
- Pus in the ear canal, with swelling and heat around the ear.
- Sudden severe head tilt, flickering eyes, or unable to walk straight.
- A drooping face, with one side out of control.
- Severe pain or facial swelling after human ear drops or an unknown remedy.
- A seizure or sudden collapse.
Contact your vet today
- A smelly ear for several days, with head shaking or scratching.
- Dark or yellow discharge in the canal, with a red, swollen ear flap.
- Crying out when the ear is touched, or an ear that feels hotter than usual.
- Skin problems at the same time: red toes, red armpits or belly.
Record and observe
- The odd head shake, with a dry ear and no smell.
- A damp ear after a bath or a swim, back to normal once dried.
- Already under vet care: record the cleaning product and how often, and bring it to the next visit.
Before you set off
- Photos of the ear, and the colour and smell of the discharge.
- Every cleaner, drop and medicine used, with the packaging.
- Any head tilt, balance problem or facial droop.
- Any skin problems, and any history of allergies.
- When the ear was last cleaned, and how.
- Do not push cotton buds into the canal, and do not use human ear drops, alcohol or vinegar.
What your vet may ask and do
- Ask: when it started, and whether there is pain or a head tilt.
- Ask: what cleaners or drops have been used.
- Do: an otoscope exam of the canal and eardrum.
- Do: cytology and a bacterial culture of the discharge.
- Do: X-rays or CT of the middle ear where needed.
- Do: a deep clean and prescription medicine, usually with a recheck.
- Do: for repeats, look for allergy, ear anatomy or an endocrine cause.
Where to go in Hong Kong
- Hong Kong 24-hour vet list
- 24-hour emergency, Hong Kong Island
- 24-hour emergency, Kowloon
- 24-hour emergency, New Territories
- Clinics with CT
- Clinics with inpatient care
- What emergency and test fees look like
Call the clinic before you drive over, to confirm tonight's arrangements and the location.