Pet Ear Health & Surgery | Clifton Veterinary Clinic, Clifton TX

The Importance of Your Pet’s Ear Health—and When Surgery May Be Needed

When it comes to keeping your furry companion happy and healthy, ear care is often overlooked—but it shouldn’t be. At Clifton Veterinary Clinic in Clifton, Texas, we care deeply about all aspects of your pet’s well-being, and that includes their ear health. Ear problems are not only uncomfortable—they can also lead to chronic infections, balance issues, or even permanent damage if untreated.

In some cases, surgery is necessary to relieve pain, eliminate infection, and improve your pet’s quality of life. Let’s walk through why this matters, what signs to look for, and how we can help.

Why Ear Health Matters for Dogs & Cats

Your pet’s ears are more than just cute—they’re delicate structures that play a vital role in hearing, balance, and protection from foreign debris and moisture. When ear problems occur, they can quickly escalate. Conditions like chronic ear infections, ear canal tumors, or hematomas (swollen ear flaps) not only cause pain but can affect your pet’s ability to live comfortably.

Especially in breeds with floppy ears, narrow ear canals, or allergies, recurring ear problems are common and often require medical or surgical intervention to resolve fully.

Common Ear Issues in Pets

Here are the most frequent problems people see on their pet´s ear:

• Ear Infections (Otitis) – Caused by bacteria, yeast, allergies, or moisture buildup. They cause itching, odor, and discharge.
• Ear Hematomas – A painful swelling caused by blood pooling between the skin and cartilage of the ear flap, usually from shaking the head or scratching.
• Foreign Bodies – Grass seeds or debris can get lodged in the ear canal, especially in outdoor pets.
• Ear Mites – Microscopic parasites more common in cats, causing extreme irritation and black debris.
• Polyps or Tumors – Growths in the ear canal can interfere with normal ear function and cause recurring infections.

While some of these conditions can be treated with medication, others—especially recurrent infections or hematomas—may require surgery to resolve.

When Is Ear Surgery Necessary?

At Clifton Veterinary Clinic, our goal is always to treat conditions medically when possible. But when a problem becomes chronic or painful, surgical intervention may be the best and most humane option.

Here are common surgical procedures:

• Ear Hematoma Repair – This procedure removes the fluid buildup and sutures the ear flap to prevent recurrence, helping it heal correctly.
• Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA) – Recommended in severe cases of chronic infection where the ear canal must be removed to end pain and inflammation permanently.
• Lateral Ear Resection – This surgery opens the ear canal to improve air circulation and drainage, often reducing infection frequency.
• Tumor or Polyp Removal – Growths are surgically excised and biopsied for safety.

What Are the Signs Your Pet May Need Help?

Watch for the following signs that your pet’s ears might need medical attention:

• Persistent scratching or shaking of the head
• Redness, swelling, or discharge from the ears
• Foul odor coming from the ears
• Pain when touching the ears
• Hearing loss or loss of balance
• Visible swelling or thickening of the ear flap

If your pet is showing these signs repeatedly, it’s time for a professional evaluation. Delaying care can lead to more severe complications or permanent damage.

How to Support Your Pet’s Ear Health

Preventing ear issues starts at home. Here’s how you can help:

• Check their ears weekly for dirt, odor, or redness
• Clean as recommended by your vet—never use cotton swabs or alcohol
• Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing
• Watch for allergy signs—ear issues are often linked to food or environmental sensitivities
• Schedule regular veterinary checkups and ear exams

With the right routine and veterinary support, you can help prevent many common ear problems.

Compassionate Ear Surgery & Care in Clifton, TX

At Clifton Veterinary Clinic, our experienced veterinary team is proud to serve pets and their people in Clifton and the surrounding Central Texas area. If your dog or cat is struggling with recurring ear issues or you're unsure whether surgery may be needed, we’re here to guide you.

Our clinic offers compassionate care, advanced surgical options, and a personalized approach that treats every pet like family. From diagnosis to recovery, we’ll support your pet’s ear health every step of the way.

Don’t Let Ear Problems Go Untreated

If your pet is showing signs of ear discomfort or infection, call Clifton Veterinary Clinic today at (254) 675-8925 or visit us at 4117 Highway 6,Clifton, TX 76634 to schedule a consultation. Early intervention is key, and in some cases, surgery can offer lasting relief and a better quality of life. We're here to help your pet hear, feel, and live their best.