A veterinarian examining a dog's ear with an otoscope.

Deep Ear Cleaning in Companion Animals

Deep ear cleaning is a critical in-clinic procedure for pets suffering from chronic otitis externa, excessive cerumen buildup, or recurrent ear infections. Unlike routine ear cleaning performed by pet owners at home, professional deep ear cleaning allows veterinarians to thoroughly remove hardened wax, debris, and biofilm, improving treatment efficacy and preventing chronic complications.

When is Deep Ear Cleaning Necessary?

Severe cerumen impaction – When hardened ear wax obstructs the ear canal, leading to inflammation and secondary infections.

Otitis externa with excessive debris – Accumulation of infectious material, bacteria, and yeast, reducing medication penetration.

Chronic or recurrent infections – When previous treatments fail due to biofilm formation or persistent pathogens.

Preparation for otitis treatment – Removing debris improves the effectiveness of topical antibiotics and antifungals.
Aural hematomas or pain from trapped debris – Reducing irritation and inflammation in dogs prone to ear disease.

Step-by-Step Deep Ear Cleaning Procedure

Patient Assessment & Cytology – Examine the ear canal with an otoscope and perform cytology to identify the presence of bacteria, yeast, mites, or inflammatory cells.
Application of Ceruminolytic Agent – Use a ceruminolytic ear cleaner like to soften hardened wax and debris for easier removal.
Gentle Massage & Wax Dissolution – Massage the ear canal base to help break down cerumen and impacted material.
Flushing & Suctioning – Use sterile saline or a veterinary ear irrigation system to flush out softened debris, followed by suctioning for deeper cleaning.
Final Examination & Medication Application – After drying the ear canal, apply topicals and other treatments if applicable.

Product selection for deep ear cleaning

Effective deep ear cleaning in veterinary practice requires products that efficiently remove debris and impacted cerumen, using effective ceruminolytics to break down wax buildup. Here are the products to keep on hand:

Otoprof, a carbamide peroxide-based ceruminolytic solution that releases oxygen to soften and dissolve hardened cerumen, making removal easier during deep ear cleaning.

Tris-NAC, a specialized ear cleanser that combines Tris-EDTA with N-acetylcysteine (NAC). This formulation is particularly effective in disrupting and dissolving biofilms, which are often implicated in chronic and recurrent otic infections. By breaking down these biofilms, Tris-NAC® helps to enhance the penetration and efficacy of antimicrobial agents, facilitating more effective treatment outcomes. Its use is especially beneficial in cases where biofilm-producing bacteria are present, as it aids in reducing microbial load and the potential for antibiotic resistance.