Very 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
Ear Drooping or Cocked
Summary
An ear that is cocked off to one side can be a sign of something causing pain or irritation to the ear canal, the ear itself (pinna) or the skin or tissues around the ear. It can result from the existence of a foreign body such as a hay stem, ear ticks, ear mites, severe aural plaques, sarcoid or an infected wound.
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Code Orange
Call Your Vet at Their First Available Office Hours
your role
What To Do
Assess your horse's general health with the Whole Horse Exam (WHE), and if your horse yields to pressure on the halter, gently examine their ear and try to find the offending cause. Standing in front of the horse (careful to move quickly out of the way), compare the position of the two ears. Is there a difference between the two sides? Share your findings and concerns with your vet.
What Not To Do
Do not insert anything into your horse's ear as the eardrum can be damaged. Do not struggle with your horse to look into their ear.
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 ear and surrounding areas. Sedation for a proper ear examination may be necessary. Ear examination may require an otoscope. In some cases, a cause is not found. In that case, symptomatic treatment might be needed for a time before more aggressive and expensive diagnostics are employed.
Questions Your Vet Might Ask:
- Does the horse seem to be shaking its head or tilting it to one side?
- Does your horse seem normal otherwise?
- When did you first notice this?
- Have you been able to look in the horse's ear?
- What is the horse's age, sex, breed and history?
- Do you notice abnormal eye movements?
- Do you notice anything inside the horse's ear?
- 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.
Very Common
Less Common
Rare
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
