Why is there discharge coming from my horse’s ear?
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Read time: 3 minutes
Overview
Discharge from a horse’s ear is often due to dirt, wax, irritation or a minor skin problem, but it can also happen with infection, mites or a small injury. You usually can’t tell the cause from the discharge alone, so it’s worth checking the ear carefully and watching for other changes.
Things To Check
1. Look at whether the discharge is just a little waxy dirt or whether it’s sticky, smelly, bloody or pus-like.
2. Check if one ear is affected or if both ears have similar discharge.
3. Notice whether your horse is shaking its head, rubbing the ear, tilting its head or flinching when the ear is touched.
4. Look for redness, swelling, scabs, broken skin or heat around the ear and the base of the ear.
5. Think about whether it started after grooming, clipping, turnout, fly exposure or a bath.
6. Check for signs of flies, mites or other irritation, especially if the ear looks crusty or itchy.
7. Make sure there isn’t any foreign material, such as bedding, burrs or mud, sitting around the outer ear.
8. Watch whether your horse is otherwise bright, eating normally and comfortable, or seems sore or unsettled.
Common Causes
The most common cause is simple wax, dirt or debris that has built up in or around the ear, especially after turnout or grooming.
Skin irritation is another common reason. This can come from flies, rubbing, clipping, grooming products or sensitivity to something in the environment.
Ear mites or other external parasites can sometimes cause discharge, along with itching, scabbing and head shaking.
Less commonly, discharge may be linked to an ear infection, a scratch inside the ear or another problem that needs veterinary assessment.
What To Do
Start by keeping a close eye on the ear and noting what the discharge looks like, how much there is and whether it changes over a day or two.
Only clean the outside of the ear gently if your horse allows it, and avoid putting anything deep into the ear canal.
Keep the area clean and dry, and reduce anything that seems to trigger irritation, such as heavy rubbing, muddy turnout or excess dust.
If the ear looks sore, your horse won’t let you touch it, or the discharge is getting worse, it’s sensible to get veterinary advice rather than trying to manage it on your own.
It can help to keep a note of when the discharge appears, what the weather or turnout conditions were like, and whether there are any other signs such as head shaking or itching.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the discharge is smelly, bloody, pus-like or keeps coming back, or if your horse seems painful, head-shy, very itchy or unwell. You should also get advice if there is swelling, marked redness, a visible wound, head tilt or any change in behaviour.
Related Questions
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Can I clean my horse’s ears at home?
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Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.