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Question

I have a Lewellyn Setter. She has had an ongoing infection in 1 ear off and on for 3 years. She is 8 years old and an indoor dog. We have horses here and when the Vet comes here for their care he checks her ears for us too. She had bad skin allergies during the spring and summer months BUT the Ear problem is year round. The Vet has prescribed Otomax ointment. This did not work. Then he tried Kenalog injections. This is the only thing that helps but before the 30 days is up between injections, her ear gets just as bad as before the Kenalog.     The vet had me try Benedryl capsules. 3 pills 3 x daily. this makes her sleep through the summer skin problems but does not solve the ear problem.               These are the home remedies that I have tried. a 50 - 50 solution of vinegar, water, or over the counter Clean and Dry for ears. I have done this continuously for the 3 years. She moans like it gives her some relief. Its a clear smelly discharge. This is ONE EAR ONLY period

Submitted: 304 days and 11 hours ago.
Category: Dog
Value: $15
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Age: 8; Female; Breed: English Setter, Lewellyn

Already Tried:
Otomaxointment Kenalog Injections Benedryl, vinegar solutions Clean and Dry ears daily for 3 years.

Posted by LSU-Vet 304 days and 11 hours ago.

Info Request

Thanks for writing in,

 

Has your vet done an otoscopic exam where they look into the ear canal?

 

Has your vet done an ear cytology to determine if this is a bacterial or a yeast infection?

 

What food are you feeding her?

 

Is she itchy anywhere else?

 

 

304 days and 11 hours ago.

Reply

The Vet has not done an cytology. Her food is dry Iams. Itching elsewhere, yes mainly on her feet more in the summer than winter. She chews so much on her feet that she causes scabs.

Accepted Answer

Ok, Thanks for that added info. Well the first thing here is to have a cytology done on that ear so we know what we are dealing with. Is it bacteria, yeast or both? This will help determine what you need to clean and treat with. If it is a yeast infection that just keeps recurring then your vet should give you a cleaner such as Dermapets' malacetic otic which is great for dogs with this condition. I would also suggest an otoscopic exam be done to ensure there isn't a foreign body in the ear canal. This is fairly common and could help to explain why the problem in one ear and not both.

 

Your dog definitely sounds like she has allergies. You may want to put her on a food trial for food allergies. This would require an 8 week trial of a dog food with a protein source she has never been exposed to before such as duck, venison, or kangaroo. These diets are only available through your vet. She may also have inhaled allergies (esp. in the summer), in which case she should be allergy tested or started on a product called Atopica which is great for dogs like yours with inhaled allergies. I hope this helps to give you some guidance for your girl. Let me know if you have any further questions.

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Expert: LSU-Vet
Pos. Feedback: 98.9 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 1/20/2009

Dog Veterinarian

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