Ear problems here to :c(

[GSDS4MEx3]

Taser has had an on going ear infection since Oct 23rd. It is both bacterial and yeast. He's now on his third treatment and we go back to the vets in 21 days. The severity of the infection bounces back and forth between his ears. First one ear has a severe infection, then after treatment it's mild but the other ear goes from mild to severe. After the first round of ear meds, the infection got worse. It was so bad and deep, you couldn't even touch his neck near the base of his ears. After the second round of meds (different treatment), his ears seemed better. Both were standing straight, no itching and no pain in the neck area. The next to the last day on his meds (the day before he was to go back for a follow up at the vets) his right ear started bothering him again. The vet did another culture and sure enough, the infection is severe in that ear and mild in his left. He's now on a third kind of ear med.

Any ideas on what may be causing this? I feel so bad for him. I'm hoping this round of meds does the trick. Does this also mean he will be prone to ear infections?

Thanks for you help.

[JanisN]

Betty, what is Taser eating? Could it be allergies triggering off an infection?

For yeast (which Rikki has right now) we're using yogurt both internally and as a paint to get a handle on it. And it's working. Since she's like me and doesn't appreciate the wonders of unflavored, unsweetened yogurt <grin>, we have to hide it in hamburger.

JanisN

[Jody]

I would also have his thyroid checked.. alot of dogs with thyroid problems present with ear infections..

[remsmom]

Food allergies can cause ear problems. Not sure what you feed but I would cut out all carbo's, sugar, and anything that has yeast in it . Can you try a plain diet of protein and veg (those are fairly hypoallergenic) for a while and see if it clears it up. ?

[GSDS4MEx3]

Thank you for your replies.

Taser is on Solid Gold and has been for abt 5 1/2 mos. I talked with the vet and if this round of meds doesn't work, we will then ck his thyrod as Jody suggested. If that shows nothing, then I will do some research to change his food.

So far, this round of meds seems to be working. There is very little ear gunk when I clean his ears now. No more itching either. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!