Accepted Answer

Thanks for the additional information,

Typically odor or black discharge from the ear is related to an yeast ear infection. With a single ear infection, I would not be as concerned so long as it responds to home remedy treatment and does not reoccur. If it is a chronic issue (which it sounds like in your girl's case) it could be related to allergies which may need to be addressed themselves. This can occur due to an allergen or if the ear is wet (seen commonly in dogs with long ears like Basset Hounds, or dogs that swim, etc) Unfortunately, hypothyroid dogs can be predisposed to ear infections. I would ensure that the thyroid testing is up to date and that she is properly managed on her medication.

In any case, I would flush the ears out twice daily. You can make a home made flush using 1 part white vinegar and 1 part water. The pH of the vinegar keeps the ear pH regulated and also serves as a drying agent. It is also much less abrasive than many of the over the counter cleaners that dogs may be allergic to.

To flush the ear you can use a syringe or bulb and gently let the solution run into the ear. then massage the ear at the base (and almost behind the ear), it should make a sloshing sound as you massage it. Then you can allow your dog to shake her head (do so in bathroom or outdoors due to mess.) Then taking soft gauze or cotton balls (NOT Q-tips) gently wipe the inside of the ear. Clean daily for 1 week, then as needed for cleaning and maintenance.

Monitor the ear for continued discharge, odor, heat or swelling. If the ear gets worse or if it does not improve within a few days, I would have her evaluated with a cytology. There are combination ear infections that are both yeast a bacteria that may need special medications to apply int he canal after you clean them. I would NOT let his go as ear infections, when left uncontrolled, can lead to hearing loss.

If the ear does improve, you can go to once a day flushing after the first week, then as needed thereafter. This is a very safe cleaner that can be used as a maintenance even when no problem exists.

As for the allergies, there are a few routes you can take. First, know that allergies can be due to inhaled, contact, or food allergens. Biting the paws is another sign of allergies. There is testing available for dogs to determine the cause of the allergens and injections they can get to desensitize them to the allergens. Some dogs only have seasonal allergies and can be managed with medication through those difficult times. The allergy testing is more expensive but is also much more definitive way of diagnosing and treating the issue.

Another thing you can do is to perform your own food trial to try to rule food allergies in or out as a possibility. What it would consist of is stopping all treats, table food, bones, etc, and gradually switching food (by blending for 1 week with old food) onto a new diet with a different protein and carbohydrate (i.e. from chicken and rice to duck and potato) They must remain on this food for 3-4 months to see if there is improvement. The downfall is that if your dog has more than 1 allergy it can be a long process. Also, if it is inhaled or contact allergens, the food trial may not matter at all.

It is very common for prednisone to offer relief for dogs with allergies. Unfortunately, prednisone has side effects and is not a long term answer (which I am sure you are aware of by now.)
There are supplements such as DermCaps or 3Vcaps (fatty acid supplements) as well as Derma- Strength (http://www.vetriscience.com/derma-strength-dogs.php) which can help alone or in combination with skin allergies. It is also helpful with dogs suffering from allergies to change air condition/heating filters regularly and to use an hepatfilter to reduce the allergens inside of the house. Additionally, it is important to watch all variables int he house and change them alone- not in combination to see how your dog reacts. Keep this in mind with carpet cleaners or deodorizers, air fresheners, insect repellents, etc.

http://www.varlallergy.com/allergy.html


If you are within driving distance, my suggestion would be to go to a veterinary teaching hospital (vet school). They are often less expensive then regular vets (because they are non profit) and have dermatology specialists there to oversee your dog's case. They have access to the latest technology and treatment options and do most of their own testing (which means faster diagnosis and treatment).

If you are concerned with the cost of treatment, you can look at the following websites for financing information/financial assistance.

www.carecredit.com

www.imom.org

www.angels4animals.org


Hope this helps. Please let me know if you need additional information.

Best wishes to you BOTH,
Amy