Scratching (or admiring) your dog’s ears is a great way to bond. It’s also a way to potentially detect an ear polyp by inspecting your pup’s external ear canal.
A small lump in your dog’s ear. Ear polyps appear as pea-sized lumps.
Color. They usually look pink or whitish and may seemingly blend into your dog’s ear.
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It’s not clear what causes dog ear polyps, but chronic ear infections and inflammation may play a role. Some breeds, such as English cream golden retrievers, seem more prone to them. Dogs with small ear canals and long, floppy ears may also be more susceptible.
Ear polyps are benign tumors. But they still need to be treated. Otherwise, they may cause infections.
Signs your pup might have irritating ear polyps
Sometimes, polyps aren’t always obvious on the outside. Nasopharyngeal polyps can grow in the throat, middle ear, or Eustachian tube (a tiny passageway that runs from a dog’s throat to the middle ear). Pups will often show signs of an ear infection if they have a polyp, including:
Drainage from the ear. Your dog may begin to secrete discharge that could be present as pus or blood. It may have a foul smell. According to our vet, Dr. Erica Irish, she notes the discharge can range from brown and black to yellow in color.
Head shaking. If your pup’s ear is bothering them, they may shake their head to try to find relief.
Ear scratching. Like head shaking, ear scratching is a common way to soothe discomfort. Occasional scratching is normal, but it could be a sign of something more serious if it becomes constant.
Head tilt. Your dog may sometimes tilt their head if they’re curious about something. But if they seem to be doing it randomly and incessantly, it could be an ear polyp.
Trouble hearing. Deafness is another symptom of ear polyps. If your dog suddenly stops responding to their name and doesn’t acknowledge loud noises, you’ll want to get their ears checked.
Facial changes. Dogs with ear polyps may experience facial nerve paralysis or palsy. Signs of these conditions include facial drooping and salivation. Pups with facial paralysis or palsy may experience nausea and may not want to eat, Dr. Irish says.
Change in the shape of a dog’s pupils. Dog’s experiencing ear polyps often display “pinpoint pupils,” or very small pupils. Dr. Irish notes the change will only happen on one side (anisocoria, or asymmetrical pupils) and is common with Horner’s syndrome.
Ear polyps in the ear of a cat. Removal under anesthesia by a veterinarian