## Overview Ear shyness is resistance to having the ears touched or handled. It ranges from mild avoidance to striking or aggression. Causes include medical problems (aural plaques, ticks, infection, melanoma) and learned behavior from previous rough handling or ear twitching. ## Causes Painful ear conditions or prior negative experiences. Sudden onset suggests a new medical issue; gradual onset may be behavioral or progressive disease. ## Diagnosis Careful otoscopic examination to rule out plaques, ticks, or masses, plus history of handling. ## Treatment Treat any medical cause. Behavioral rehabilitation with gradual, positive desensitization once pain is eliminated. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good when medical issues are resolved and handling is patient and consistent. ## Prevention Gentle ear handling from a young age and prompt treatment of ear problems.
head raising or pulling away when ears are touched; resistance to bridling; striking; head tossing; may be unilateral
## Overview Ear shyness is resistance to having the ears touched or handled. It ranges from mild avoidance to striking or aggression. Causes include medical problems (aural plaques, ticks, infection, melanoma) and learned behavior from previous rough handling or ear twitching. ## Causes Painful ear conditions or prior negative experiences. Sudden onset suggests a new medical issue; gradual onset may be behavioral or progressive disease. ## Diagnosis Careful otoscopic examination to rule out plaques, ticks, or masses, plus history of handling. ## Treatment Treat any medical cause. Behavioral rehabilitation with gradual, positive desensitization once pain is eliminated. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good when medical issues are resolved and handling is patient and consistent. ## Prevention Gentle ear handling from a young age and prompt treatment of ear problems.
head raising or pulling away when ears are touched; resistance to bridling; striking; head tossing; may be unilateral