Cleaning ears should include
- identifying the appearance of healthy ears
- listing signs and symptoms of ear mites and ear infections
- using appropriate ear cleaning solution and materials
- wiping the outer ear clean of cerumen and exudates
- making note of whether there is any unusual or excessive odor
- identifying breeds that routinely need ear plucking.
Process/Skill Questions:
- How should an animal’s ears be cleaned?
- What are the symptoms of common conditions and ailments that can affect an animal's ears? How are these ailments treated?
- What precautions should be taken when cleaning and plucking an animal's ears?
- Why is it dangerous to probe deep in the animal's ear with a cotton swab?
- Why do the ears of some breeds need to be plucked?
- What is the function of ear powder?