Why are my dog's eyes quivering? Is it nystagmus or an ear infection?

I am so sorry to hear that your older pet Glacier has what does sound like another vestibular disease episode, especially if he is walking in circles. However, if he is just unsteady in his gait with no circling, then I would have to assume this is a severe arthritis condition and not vestibular disease. Osteoarthritis to this degree is best treated with anti-inflammatories prescribed by your vet, as well as pain management. The eye itself looks a bit more than just an infection. Possible causes for this include glaucoma and uveitis just to name a few. There is severe redness, white discharge, and intraocular (inside the eye) changes occuring there, which warrants further testing. The vet needs to check Glaciers eye pressures, possible blood pressure as well, and consider a referral to an ophthalmologist if those tests come up negative. This sounds quite serious however, so its best to get Glacier back in to the vet as soon as possible. I hope that he stabilizes soon! Best of luck and take care.

It sounds like Libby have a severe ear infection, and I would take her into a vet immediately. This will be very painful to her, and leaving it untreated can lead to hearing loss. The vet can confirm that she does have an ear infection, and can treat her for it. Please take her into an ER vet or find a vet on call to see her now.

This presentation could be due to an ear infections. Three sections of the ear can be infected, the external portion (otitis externa), the middle portion (otitis media) and the inner portion (otitis interna). Otitis externa is the most common ear infection in dogs. In this case it seems an external ear infection but an otoscopic examination will determine the exactly the extension of it. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed.

If the ear is droopy and she is shaking her head she probably has an ear infection. Because of the head shaking and probably scratching as well, blood vessels in the ear are exploding, causing blood and fluids to fill the pinea ans swell. This condition is called "ear hematoma" and needs medical or surgical treatment. The ear infection needs to be treated as well as it is the primary cause, usually ear drops from the vet will solve this, in some cases systemic antibiotics are prescribed as well. Regarding the the droopy ear I personally prefer the medical treatment (steroids for 4 weeks) over the surgical one, unfortunately most vets will still opt for the surgery.

I am sorry to hear about Nina. Unless she has a history of ear infections, then this is not likely her issue. Many dogs don't need their ears cleaned at all as the ear in a healthy dog doesn't usually need to be cleaned. Signs of ear infection include an odor and discharge from the ears, redness and pain of the ear canal, shaking the head, scratching and rubbing the ears. If she hasn't had these signs, this is not likely due to her ears and she should see the vet for an examination.

That looks like it must be very uncomfortable! The area is very red and inflamed, most likely a sign of active infection. An antibiotic will almost certainly be required in order to put a stop to the problem. The area on which this is distributed may suggest a contact related allergic reaction. Your dog may have stuck his face in something, and ultimately this is the result. The best method to figure out what the cause of this is, is by obtaining skin scrapings, cultures, and potentially biopsies of the region. The veterinarian will be able to determine which of these, if any, are appropriate once he views the area. You and him may decide that simply treatment with an antibiotic and a steroid first might be more appropriate.

It looks like your kid has a pretty severe ear infection there. The redness is inflammation and the gray area is thickening of the external ear canal from chronic inflammation. What would be best would be for your pup to be seen by your family vet for an ear exam and cytology. In order to treat this appropriately your vet will need to know if there are bacteria (and what type) or yeast or both in the ear canals and if the eardrum is intact. An anti inflammatory may also be needed because of the thickening. If ear infections are a chronic problem for your pup underlying allergy may also need to be explored. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!