Title: Clean ears.
Course: Small Animal Care II (18102-II) > Section: Performing Grooming Functions

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?