Horses express much through their ears. I know that its ears tell me a lot about its health. Still, ear diseases in horses can appear suddenly. They may seem harmless at first, but they can become serious if I overlook the signs. Because the ears are sensitive, I always pay attention to any swelling, itching, or strange head movements.
What Causes Ear Diseases in Horses
From my experience, ear diseases in horses usually begin with small irritations. They typically start on one side and can have many causes. Some are congenital, like ear fistulas that appear a few months after birth. They may result from inflammation, parasites, bacteria, fungi, or injuries.
Even a foreign object in the ear can trigger irritation or cause discomfort inside the ear. Acute infections usually affect one ear and often cause pain or itching. Because of that, the horse might shake its head frequently, rub its ear, or avoid being touched and bridled. I may notice sticky or crusty hair near the ear base. In more severe cases, swelling, pus, or even blood can appear inside the ear.
Recognizing the Symptoms Early
Every horse shows different signs, so I observe carefully. A horse with an ear problem often holds its head to one side. The affected ear might hang lower or react slowly when the horse tries to perk up. Headshaking, rubbing, and sensitivity to touch are clear warning signs.
I sometimes see sticky hair or crusts under the ear. In some cases, a milky or purulent discharge runs from a small opening near the ear base. The ear flap may swell so much that it closes the ear canal completely. As a result, secondary inflammation or infection can develop. If I ignore it, the condition can worsen and cause abscesses or nerve inflammation. Severe infections can even lead to facial paralysis—visible as drooping lips, narrow nostrils, or difficulties breathing. Sometimes, horses show coordination issues when the inner ear, which controls balance, is affected.
Check list Typical Symptoms:
- Head tilting or shaking
- Ear drooping
- Aversion to touch or bridling
- Scratching or rubbing behavior
- Purulent or crusty discharge
When Pressure or Itching Causes Problems
Sometimes my horse injures its ear by scratching or shaking it too hard because of itching or flies. This can lead to hematomas—pockets of blood under the skin (subcutaneous blood pockets). The ear flap swells and often droops. In severe cases, nerve fibers can become damaged, and the ear hangs limp and loses movement. When the cartilage itself becomes inflamed or distorted, the ear can lose its ability to stand upright. Insects (e.g. mites), trauma, or immune reactions are common triggers.
The Many Faces of Inflammation
Inflammation is one of the most frequent ear problems I see. It can affect the outer, middle, or inner ear. When a foreign object or infection affects the outer ear canal, otitis externa develops. It can start with a simple irritation that later turns into a weeping eczema. The inner side of the ear flap and the canal can become moist and crusty. The ear then oozes fluid, and the skin becomes wet and red. Viruses, bacteria (e.g. Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, Corynebacterium) fungi (e.g. Aspergillus spp.) or parasitic infections (e.g., Psoroptes cuniculi mites) cause these inflammations.
If the infection spreads deeper, it can reach the middle ear, otitis media or inner ear, otitis interna. These deeper inflammations are more dangerous. Then I might notice that the horse tilts its head, struggles with balance, or loses its appetite. Such deep infections are serious and can also reach the nervous system through the auditory tube or air sacs.
When Growths and Viruses Take Over
Ear diseases in horses are not always caused by infection. Skin growths and tumors also occur. Fibromas are benign lumps formed by connective tissue. They grow from inside or on the ear edge and may become infected when scratched or injured. Equine sarcoids — most often developing in young adult horses, typically between 2 and 6 years of age — hide under the skin layer. They are fibroblastic skin tumors linked to bovine papillomavirus types 1 and 2 (BPV-1 and BPV-2). This age range represents the period when horses’ immune systems are mature but still developing full resistance to papillomavirus infections. Equine sarcoids are not malignant but tend to return, even after removal. I always monitor them carefully because they can grow back after treatment.
Warts, known as papillomatosis, often appear in young horses under three years. They look like small, hairless, round bumps. Usually, they disappear on their own after several months. They may fall off naturally,, but monitoring is essential. However, if they become injured or inflamed, they can cause swelling and local infection.
Aural plaques, caused by equine papillomavirus, appear as white or gray crusty patches inside the ear. They are not painful but can make horses sensitive to touch. In severe cases, thickened or cracked lesions may form along the ear rim.
Moreover, small malformations like ear fistulas can form a few months after birth. These fistulas are small channels near the ear base, caused by misplaced dental tissue. Although usually not painful, they can lead to discharge or visible openings.
Interesting Fact
Equine sarcoids are the most common skin tumors in horses, including on the ears. They are benign but locally aggressive fibroblastic growths caused by bovine papillomavirus types 1 and 2. Sarcoids can appear as flat, nodular, or ulcerated lesions. Trauma or insect bites may trigger their development. Although not malignant, they often recur after removal and require veterinary treatment. But: Left untreated, most sarcoids will progress and may become untreatable.
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How I Prevent Ear Problems
To keep my horse healthy, I follow a simple routine. I check the ears daily, especially after riding outdoors. Needles, grass, or small wood pieces can enter. In summer, I apply gentle repellents. When something looks unusual, I contact the vet right away. Clean surroundings, insect control, and gentle care help protect the ears. Foreign bodies in the ear are rare thanks to the fine hair inside the ear canal.
Regular observation helps me detect issues early and avoid pain or stress for my horse. Ear diseases in horses may sound minor at first, but they can lead to severe complications if neglected. By recognizing early signs and understanding causes, I ensure my horse’s comfort, performance, and trust.
With early treatment, most ear diseases in horses heal well and completely and do not leave permanent damage. After all, healthy ears mean a relaxed and happy horse.
