Very Common
Less Common
You also might be observing
Observation
What you see. The starting point for addressing any equine health related issue is your observation.
YOU ARE OBSERVING
Drainage from Area below Ear
Summary
You notice drainage that seems to be coming from the region below the ear, not from the ear itself. Drainage below the ear can result from several causes but is classically associated with a dentigerous cyst. Abscesses, infected puncture wounds, old injuries with infected bone, and foreign bodies can also cause discharge from this location.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours
your role
What To Do
If your horse will allow you to examine the area near the ear, gently examine and clean the area of drainage. Assess the area for swelling, heat and pain. Compare it to the opposite side. Are you sure the drainage is not coming from the ear itself?Perform the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), paying particular attention to rectal temperature, and looking for abscesses or drainage elsewhere on the body. Take a photo of the area to share with your vet.
What Not To Do
Do not insert anything into your horse's ear. Do not struggle with your horse to look into their ear if it is not easy. Horses may be very protective of this area, especially if it is painful.
Skills you may need
Procedures that you may need to perform on your horse.
your vet's role
Following a general physical exam, your vet will carefully assess the location of drainage. Ultrasound, radiography and surgical exploration are diagnostics commonly employed to determine whether the drainage is caused by a dentigerous cysts.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Do you know of any other health problems the horse has experienced?
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- Did you notice swelling in this area prior to the drainage?
- Does the horse show pain when pressure is applied to the area?
- Can you send me a photo?
- Does the discharge have a noticeable odor?
- Is the horse gray in color and if so, are there firm bumps in the area or elsewhere?
- What are the results of the Whole Horse Exam (WHE)?
Diagnostics Your Vet May Perform
Figuring out the cause of the problem. These are tests or procedures used by your vet to determine what’s wrong.
Diagnoses Your Vet May Consider
The cause of the problem. These are conditions or ailments that are the cause of the observations you make.
Treatments Your Vet May Recommend
A way to resolve the condition or diagnosis. Resolving the underlying cause or treating the signs of disease (symptomatic treatment)
Very Common
