Recurring ear infections aren’t just frustrating—they can lead to permanent damage. Here’s how to act early and when surgery like TECA might be the best option.

Is your dog always scratching their ears, shaking their head, or smelling a bit ‘off’ around the head? These are some of the early signs of an ear infection—and if caught early, they’re usually simple to treat. But left untreated or if they keep coming back, these infections can cause long-term pain, scarring, and hearing loss.

That’s why we’re passionate about early intervention when it comes to ear infections in dogs. Acting early not only helps your pet feel better fast—it can help avoid a long and painful journey towards chronic ear disease.

How do ear infections start?

Ear infections are common, especially in dogs with floppy ears or allergies. They can be caused by bacteria, yeast, moisture, foreign bodies (like grass seeds), or underlying issues like food or environmental allergies.

When treated quickly, these infections usually resolve with medicated drops and ear cleaning. But when infections become recurrent or severe, they can do lasting damage to the ear canal—causing thickening, narrowing, and eventually, complete obstruction.

What happens when it becomes chronic?

Chronic ear infections don’t just go away on their own. They often:

No longer respond well to medication
Cause ongoing pain, head shaking, and ear odour
Require repeated vet visits and treatments
Lead to permanent changes in the ear canal and eardrum

At this stage, we may need to talk about a Total Ear Canal Ablation (TECA)—a surgery that removes the diseased ear canal and brings long-term relief.

What is a TECA—and when is it needed?

A TECA is a specialist procedure where the entire ear canal is removed, usually due to:

• Irreversible ear canal scarring
• Chronic, painful infections
• Growths or tumours inside the ear
• Middle ear infections that no longer respond to medication

It’s a big decision—but for dogs with end-stage ear disease, it can be truly life-changing. Many owners tell us their dogs are happier, calmer, and more comfortable than they’ve been in years.

You don’t have to go to Melbourne for TECA surgery

TECA is often thought of as a referral surgery, but we’re proud to offer it here in Ballarat, performed by our experienced surgical team. That means:

• Personalised care, close to home
• No long trips to unfamiliar clinics
• Ongoing support from the vets you know and trust

The take-home message? Don’t wait.

The earlier we treat an ear infection, the better the outcome.
If your dog is showing early signs—scratching, head-shaking, discharge, or odour—get in touch. We can often resolve the issue quickly and prevent it from becoming a long-term problem.

And if things have already progressed, we’re here for that too—with advanced surgical options, compassionate care, and support every step of the way.

Book a consultation today

Don’t let your dog suffer through another painful infection. Whether it’s their first or their fifteenth, we’re ready to help.

Book a consultation or Contact us to talk about your dog’s ears.