[knovicky]

Hi,

We have a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, 8 mos. old. Of course she has long ears. Lately we noticed that she chews and bites the fur off. Her ears are not even any more. It looks like someone cut them with scissors. What can I do? Has anyone ever heard of this before and how can I stop it.
Thanks

[GSDS4Life]

Have you checked her ears? Dogs with long ears have a tendency to get ear infections. It could be irritating her.

[OrangeDog]

what do you feed your dog?

When do you notice her doing this the most?

[Todd]

Sounds like it could be a few things. It could be an ear infection such as ear mites or it could be an allergy such as an enviromental or food allergy causing your dog's ears to itch. Has your vet looked at this? If not I'd recommend going to the vet and having him or her take a look/take necessary tests. Meanwhile, here's some info I found online that could be the cause. You may want to suggests these to your vet as well;

In addition to allergies, there are other diseases which can cause your dog to scratch, lick, or pull on his hair. A short description of these conditions such as mange, cancer, behavioral problems, and infections, along with their diagnosis and treatment, are included in the table below. Many of the more uncommon conditions are listed as well. This large number of conditions helps you understand why a quick diagnosis may be difficult to make and various diagnostic tests may need to be performed. The most common conditions causing licking and scratching are color-coded gray in the table (some may be more common in certain geographical areas).



Condition Description
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Acanthosis nigricans Inherited form seen in Dachshunds; secondary form caused by friction, hormonal abnormalities, or hypersensitivities Darkening of the skin; in secondary form see scratching and hair loss History, physical exam; in secondary form, testing to determine underlying cause Primary: No treatment; Secondary: Treat underlying disease; in some cases, steroids and Vitamin E supplementation

Acral lick dermatitis (neurodermatitis)
Self-licking in dogs results in self-trauma; possible causes include anxiety, boredom, stress (e.g., new member in household); licking can develop into an

obsessive behavior
Red, hairless, well-circumscribed, sometimes raised lesion usually on the leg; if chronic, will drain
Exclude other causes; history important
Relieve underlying cause e.g., anxiety; restrict licking, e.g., Elizabethan collar; behavior modifying medication may be necessary

Allergic and irritant contact dermatitis
An allergic reaction following exposure to antibiotics applied to the skin; metals such as nickel; materials such as rubber, wool, and plastic; and chemicals such as dyes and carpet deodorizers; or inflammation caused by irritating substances such as poison ivy. Generally requires multiple exposures.
Red skin and small bumps or blisters on the areas of skin that are sparsely haired and directly exposed to the offending substance; itching; hair loss in chronic conditions

Patch test, exclusion trials
Restrict exposure to the allergen or contact irritant in the dog's environment; steroids, antihistamines

Atopy (allergic inhalant dermatitis)
Allergic reaction to something airborne, such as pollen, house dust mites, and mold
Licking of feet, inflamed ears, itching, redness, and hair loss; sometimes development of infection or hot spots
Intradermal or serologic (blood) testing for allergies
Reduce exposure to allergen (what the dog is allergic to); steroids, fatty acid supplements, biotin, antihistamines, shampoos, or immunotherapy

Bacterial infection (pyoderma)

See Folliculitis, Staph hypersensitivity
Often occurs as a result of another condition such as a parasite, allergic, or hormonal condition

Bee, wasp, hornet stings Skin reactions can vary dramatically in severity Immediately after the bite, see swelling, redness, pain, possibly itching; subsequently may develop extensive ulcers with draining; may develop hives or anaphylaxis History, physical exam Antihistamines, steroids; wet dressings, if ulcerated; protect the area from self-inflicted trauma
Calcinosis cutis Mineralization of the skin usually due to an excess of corticosteroids; also rarely occurs in kidney failure, or in granulomas and tumors Hard nodules and papules usually on the back, groin, or axilla ulcerate, drain, and develop crusts; severe itching; may become infected; often see other signs of Cushing's disease Skin scrapings, biopsy, history, and other clinical signs, adrenal gland function tests If due to glandular tumors, selegiline, o,p-DDD (Mitotane), or surgical removal of tumor; if due to high steroid doses, withdraw use of steroids slowly

Cheyletiella (rabbit fur mite) mange
Infection with the Cheyletiella mite
Itching, scaliness; some hair loss, if severe
Skin scraping and microscopic examination - the mite is often very difficult to find Pyrethrin, Permethrin (Do NOT use permethrin on cats.)

Chiggers (harvest mites)
Seasonal disease caused by larvae of the chigger
Itching, bumps usually on feet, abdomen, folds at base of ears
Visualization of mite larvae or microscopic examination of skin scraping
Pyrethrin, Permethrin (Do NOT use permethrin on cats.)

Demodectic mange(red mange, puppy mange)
Infection with the Demodex mite - occurs when the immune system is deficient
Hair loss, scaliness, redness, pustules, ulcers, sometimes itching, darkening of the skin
Skin scraping and microscopic examination
NO Steroids

Amitraz (Mitaban) dips

Drug or injection reaction Rare skin reaction to a drug which is inhaled, given orally, or applied topically; more common with penicillins, sulfonamides, and cephalosporins; usually occurs within 2 weeks of giving the drug Can vary widely and may include itching, hair loss, redness, swelling, papules, crusts, ulcers, and draining wounds History of being treated with a drug, symptoms, biopsy Discontinue offending drug; treat symptomatically

Ear mites
Infection with Otodectes
Intense itching of ears, redness, dark crumbly discharge in ears
Direct visual or microscopic examination of ear discharge
Clean ears and apply medication containing pyrethrin (Ear Miticide)

Epitheliotropic lymphoma (mycosis fungoides) Rare cancer of T lymphocytes seen in older dogs Can take multiple forms: redness with itching and scale; ulcers and loss of pigment; one or more nodules; oral ulcers Needle or other biopsy Poor response to treatments, which include chemotherapy, surgical removal, retinoids, fatty acids
Flea allergy dermatitis (flea bite hypersensitivity)
Severe reaction by the animal to the saliva of the flea
Intense itching, redness, hair loss, papules, crusts, and scales; sometimes development of infection or hot spots
Presence of fleas; reaction to intradermal testing
Flea control in the environment and on the dog; steroids and antihistamines for the itching

Folliculitis Infection of the hair follicles, often with staph bacteria; symptoms usually appear on skin with less hair, such as the abdomen (belly) Pustules form in follicles and break open to form 'bull's-eye,' 'annular,' and 'target lesions,' which have crusty centers and red or darkening on the periphery, and 'epidermal collarettes,' which appear as rings of scaly skin; itching may occur; short-coated breeds may develop small tufts of hair which are lost; breeds with long coats may have seborrhea Skin scraping; culture; biopsy Antibiotics for at least 4 weeks - continue antibiotics 10 days beyond the apparent cure; if recurs, look for underlying problem such as allergy or hormonal imbalance

Food Allergies
Allergic reaction to something in the diet
Licking of feet, inflamed ears, itching, redness, and hair loss; sometimes development of infection or hot spots
Food elimination trials
Change in diet

Hookworms
Infection with the larvae (immature forms) of hookworms
Red bumps, usually on feet, rough foot pads, abnormal nail growth, itching
Physical exam, history of poor sanitation
Treat for intestinal infection; move dog to different environment

Hot spots (acute moist dermatitis)
Result from allergies, flea bites, mange, anal gland disease, poor grooming, ear infections, plant awns or burrs, arthritis
Hair loss; red, moist, oozing skin; constant licking or scratching
Physical exam and history
Treat underlying condition; clean area; apply Domeboro solution; topical and/or oral antibiotics and steroids

Lice
Infection with several species of lice
Variable; itching, hair loss, crusts, rough hair coat
Finding lice or nits on skin or hair
Pyrethrin, ivermectin (off-label use*), Permethrin (Do NOT use permethrin on cats.)

Lymphoma
Common cancer in dogs; can involve the skin
Itching, ulcers, nodules, redness
Biopsy
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation; lymphoma of the skin does not usually respond to treatment as well as other lymphomas

Malassezia
Usually follows some other underlying disease
Itching, redness, hair loss, greasy scales; if chronic, develop

hyperpigmentation
Skin scraping/smear and microscopic examination, culture
Treat underlying disease; oral ketoconazole; miconazole shampoos

[Todd]

Pelodera dermatitis
Accidental infection with larvae from a non-parasitic worm that lives in straw and other organic material
Affects areas of skin touching ground; intense itching, redness, hair loss, papules, crusts, scales
Skin scraping and microscopic examination
Remove bedding; mild antibacterial shampoo; steroids if necessary to control itching

Pemphigus foliaceus The most common form of pemphigus in the dog; an autoimmune disease; some breeds are at increased risk Often affects feet and head; starts with pustules and progresses to severe crusting; depigmentation of the nose is common; itching may occur; if footpads and nails affected often see lameness; symptoms wax and wane; severely affected animals may have fever and loss of appetite History, physical exam, skin scraping and biopsy Corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive therapy, gold injections

Pyoderma-superficial
See Folliculitis, Staph hypersensitivity

Ringworm
Infection with several types of fungus
Hair loss, scaliness, crusty areas, pustules, vesicles, some itching; can develop a draining nodule called a 'kerion' Culture
Miconazole, lime sulfur dips; oral griseofulvin or itraconazole

Sarcoptic mange

Infection with the Sarcoptes mite
Intense itching and self-trauma, hair loss, papules, crusts, and scales
Skin scraping and microscopic examination - the mite is often very difficult to find

Amitraz (Mitaban) dips (off-label use*); ivermectin (off-label use*)

Schnauzer comedo syndrome Uncommon; only seen in Miniature Schnauzers Comedones (black heads) on back, mild itching; may see secondary infection, thinning of hair; small crusts may develop Clinical signs, breed, skin biopsy Long-term antiseborrheic shampoos; sometimes antibiotics and retinoids
Sebaceous adenitis Sebaceous glands are destroyed, cause unknown; certain breeds more susceptible Short-haired breeds: circular areas of hair loss with fine scale; long-haired breeds: more widespread hair loss and scale, hair mats easily; may see itching in all breeds Clinical signs, breed, skin biopsy Antiseborrheic shampoos, fatty acid supplements; in more severe cases, steroids, retinoids

Seborrhea Can be primary (inherited) or secondary (resulting from other disease processes such as allergies, hypothyroidism) Scales; depending upon the type, may have a dry or oily coat; odor; some scratching; may see hair loss Blood tests, skin scraping, etc., to find underlying cause Treat underlying cause if present; antiseborrheic shampoos; fatty acid supplements
Skin cancer See Lymphoma

Skin fold pyoderma (intertrigo) Inflammation of skin that contacts other skin, e.g., lips, facial folds (on Bulldogs, for instance), vulva, tail, toes, and bodies of obese dogs Red, oozing area; crusts; often becomes infected and may develop odor Clinical signs; skin scraping and tape impression smears Clip and cleanse area; keep area clean; medicated shampoos; topical antibiotics; treat underlying condition, e.g., increased tears from eye disease, obesity, allergy

Staph hypersensitivity Rare disease in dogs caused by an allergic reaction to the bacteria Staphylococcus; often occurs in the presence of other skin diseases Red skin, pustules, vesicles, severe itching, and sometimes crusts Culture, biopsy, intradermal allergy test Treat any underlying disease; antibiotics

Superficial necrolytic dermatitis of Miniature Schnauzers Skin reaction to shampoos (usually insecticidal or medicated) Papules, ulcers with drainage; develop 2-3 days after exposure to the shampoo; may also see fever and depression Breed, history of exposure, clinical signs Treat symptomatically
Tail dock neuroma Nerve regrowth after tail docking causes symptoms Nodule at site of docking, itching with self-mutilation, hair loss, and hyperpigmentation History and symptoms Surgical removal

Tick bites Ticks cause a local inflammation in the skin, even when the entire tick is removed Nodule and redness at site of the bite; may itch and develop crusts; may last several months History Remove the tick; use a tick preventive; allow nodule to resolve on its own

Urticaria (hives) Reaction, often allergic, to insect bite, drug, vaccine, sunlight, etc. Multiple swellings, with hair standing up over swellings; may itch History, physical exam Often resolves on its own; in the case of allergic reactions, antihistamines, epinephrine, or corticosteroids depending upon severity.

In the meantime, here are a few natural remedies to clean the ears and relieve itching;

Treating a Dog's Ear Infection Without Antibiotics

Cure Your Pet?s Ear Infections

Itching Home Remedies and Natural Cures for skin irritation

Some Useful Home Remedies for Dogs Dry Itchy Skin and Other Skin Ailments

Good luck!

[knovicky]

Thank you for all the information.

She doesn't scratch at her ears, they are clean and not red. She only chews on the very ends of her ears where the furs hangs below, not at the actual ears. She has no visible skin disorders and seems perfectly fine. I just think it is strange. She sucks on the fur like a little girl would on long hair. Eventually, she chews it off. I have inspected her ears constantly. They don't seem to bother her. The long hair does dip into her water dish causing them to get wet.

She also doesn't do this often. At least I don't see her chew the fur off. It really looks like the long edge fur is cut with scissors. Now that one ear is longer than the other, I am going to trim the other side to match.

I wasn't as much concern with a medical condition as I was with a mental problem.

I will discuss this with the vet. The groomer didnt think it was that big of a deal. It is just that her ears are so pretty. That breeds ears are very dominant.

Thank you again for the great advise. What do you think now?

[Lara's mom]

Maybe keeping the hair cut will solve your problem.

[Todd]

I did some more research and biting can be a sign of a skin issue just the same as scratching. The two behaviors can both be done for the same reason so the conditions I gave you could still be the issue. As you noted, there is a chance that this could also be psychological. Here some info I found online about that ( I also found this condition is common for GS which is your dog's breed);

Canine Obsessive Conpulisive Disorder;

Why they do the things they do ... over and over and over again.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in dogs, also called OCD, is a behavior that seems out of context, odd, and directed towards objects, be it the dog himself, or an inanimate object such as a food dish, or wheeled things like cars, bikes, or strollers.

OCD often manifests itself in dogs who are stressed, anxious, or bored, and can be a very maddening experience for the owner. These behaviors can often result in destruction of items, yards, angry neighbours, and seemingly uncontrollable aggression. Obsessive digging, continuous biting at their own feet, barking at nothing, attacking inanimate objects, all are symptoms of OCD.

When OCD is caused by stress, it is important to get help from your veterinarian. A stressed dog is also a potentially dangerous dog. There are medicated therapies available to help your dog deal with stress.

In boredom cases (digging, barking, tail chasing) it is time to step up your dog's activity level. A tired dog is a content dog, and not a compulsive pet. Get out and play more! Take long walks, look into Doggy Daycare, play fetch .. you get the idea. By expending your dog's energy on a safe, fun outlet, you not only ensure that your dog is happy, but you also increase your own bond with your pet, and reduce certain health risks, like accidental ingestion of poison (if your dog is a destruction machine in the house) and obesity.

Seperation Anxiety is often a cause of OCD. How many owners have come home to total destruction? Seperation Anxiety is explained HERE.

Compulsive Disorders can also be part of your dog's genetic make-up. Certain breeds are pre-disposed to these behaviors, such as Dobermans, who suck on their skin, German Shepherds, who who chase their own tails, and English Bull Terriers, who have the odd habit of sticking their heads underneath objects and freezing in place. Strange, yes?

*Could this potentially be the issue? i would check with your vet and have any possible physical problems ruled out first then check into this. If this ends up being that issue let us know and I'd be happy to give you info on how to treat this issue in dogs.

[Bonnie Belle]

I also have an 8 mo. old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and she did the same thing last night! I've always caught her every now and then just biting her ears, but she has never chewed the hair completely off before. It does look exactly like someone clipped off the end right up to her ear. I have been so worried that it wont grow back because that is one my favorite things about her (her long ears). I have seen older Cavaliers with their hair on their ears short and they didn't even look like Cavaliers at all...It's their trademark. If you trim the ears will the hair eventually grow back? Did your Cav stop chewing on them after you trimmed their ears?

[knovicky]

Bonnie,

I did end up trimming her ears to match since they were uneven. They do grow back. She isn't biting at that hair anymore since they are shorter. However, she does now bite at the feather fur on her feet. I really don't know how to deal with this. When I notice her doing it, I redirect her to something else to chew on and say "no". She doesn't really bite the fur off like she did with her ears. When I go to the vet the next time, I am going to ask about this problem. I am really not too worried. She is just figity some times. She also chases her own tail constantly. Trying to grab the fur. I don't mind the ears being shorter. She just looks a little younger. Try not to worry. I will post back if anything changes or if I find out further information.
Kim

[Bonnie Belle]

Thanks for the feedback. Mine also chases her tail around too Let me know if the vet gives you any advice. Thanks

[Todd]

Originally Posted by Bonnie Belle

Thanks for the feedback. Mine also chases her tail around too Let me know if the vet gives you any advice. Thanks

Chasing the tail isn't necessarily some sort of itch or allergy. It can be but is also attributed to boredom or playfulness. You will probably be able to tell though based upon the mood the dog seems to be in and the approach. A fun, silly approach is horsing around, while an irritated/desperate approach could indicate an itch for various reasons.