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One of the more common questions presented in skin cases, is why their pet itches their ears so much even while on topical antibiotics, and the problem keeps recurring, as well as the over and over again veterinary office visits and costs. Recurrent ear inflammation with secondary ear itching, head shaking and increased wax, odor and discharge are often the signs of a secondary yeast or bacterial ear infection. And while most vets will prescribe topical antibiotics like Tresaderm, Otomax, and Mometomax, which will often quickly relieve the discomfort, the problem often recurs at a later date. |
That is because most dogs or cats with chronic ear issues like this often have underlying allergies as causing the secondary ear infections. Inhalant or contact allergens to grass, trees, dander, dust mites, pollens, and molds to name a few, as well as food allergens, all may be potentially involved with recurrent ear infections in dogs. And unless these underlying potential causes are addressed, the problem will continue to recur. Sometimes even dogs with hormonal problems like low thyroid levels can have recurrent ear infections. And while it is important to treat the secondary yeast or bacterial infections of the ears, many pets will often need preventative ear maintenance, while the above potential causes are worked through by your veterinarian. I’ve found excellent cleaners like Malacetic Otic often quite helpful in keeping yeast and bacterial overgrowth down in the ears, as well as nonprescription topical products like Zymox Otic quite helpful in managing chronic problem ears.
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6 Comments
My black lab is 12 years old and has had an ear infection. I’ve tried topical antibiotics but it doesn’t clear it up. Are black labs prone to getting ear infections? Is there a doggie rx that will clear this up? HELP!
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
October 1st, 2010 at 8:25 am
Yes labs are prone to ear infections both because of the shape of their ears and their predispostion to allergies, usually either inhalent/contact allergies and/or food allergies. it is important to work with your vet on these underlying causes or the problem will recur. Try great product zymox otic HC from 1800petmeds which can help
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My labradoodle is 3 years old and has an ear infection for some time 11/2 years. The vet has given her conosyn for meds. And given her Epi-Otic for cleaning. Is the best or is there something else I( can use? Reply please.
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
October 31st, 2010 at 8:45 pm
Try zymox otic HC which is great and safe for most chronic ear issues. IF problem persists, then consider having vet do ear culture to find out if resistant bacteria or yeast. Also important to address underlying causes of ear issues such as inhalent/contact allergies food allergies, etc or problem will recur.
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My maltese suffers with ear infections and tonight she kept me up and herself by headshaking. I reached for a bottle of what I thought was her med for her ears being so tired and discovered it was Metacam for her joints. Can this hurt her I am so up set. Immediately, I diluted 1/2 and 1/2 water and vinger and dropped into her ears hoping she would shake it all out. I think she did. She is sleeping and I’m not. I’m placing an order for her chronic ear problems with you tonight. Please let me know if I hurt her. She is 14 and my heart and if I hurt her I would NEVER forgive myself. Lily
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
February 17th, 2011 at 9:14 am
I doubt putting metacam topically in ears will have any long term effect. Sounds like you flushed ear out properly and now your pet should be fine. IF acting strange, always best to take to vet for proper exam.
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I have a two year old pitbull with chronic ear problems. They are always itchy and he is constantly rubbing his head on the carpet and on furniture. We’ve been to the vet countless times and everytime its the same story. We get the medicine and he’s good for two-three days after he finishes it and then its right back to being itchy. We’ve changed his food, and as directed by our vet he is on a regular routine of bendryl. I also just ordered the zymox otic HC but is there anything else I can do? I know some people recommend mineral oil ear drops but I was hesitant.
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
April 15th, 2011 at 9:27 pm
Try the zymox otic HC protocol twice daily for 2 weeks and then 3-4 times weekly. Also consider blue miracle ear ointment from http://www.itsfortheanimals.com …. I have found that product helpful as well in chronic ear issues. Pellitol is another cheap product that one can pack into inflamd ears once weekly for 3-4 weeks
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Jill Holbert Reply:
July 13th, 2011 at 10:40 pm
I have a dog who was diagnosed with a yeast infection in her ear. I started her on Zymox HC 6 days ago and contacted the company, and they said apply it once a day for 7-14 days. I was just wondering about your above comment about twice daily for two weeks. After one application my dogs ears are still goopy with the gel Zymox at the next application, 24 hrs later. Thank you.
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
July 14th, 2011 at 9:25 pm
I have found twice daily application initially more effective in getting quicker clinical response.
I have a 7 year old German Shepherd with constant ear infections. He is highly strung and i cant get him to allow me to work with his ears, thus cleaning and medicating is almost impossible. His ears are smelly and sensitive to the touch. Please advise how i can calm him down so that i will be able to teach him to receive such treatment?
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I have a great pyrenese that always has an ear infection. Like some other comments I have read, we take him to the vet and he will be ok while he is on the medication. I am tired of paying up to $600 for the visits, cause they have to sedate him everytime. They gave us sedation medicane one time so we could clean him. They will not give us any more unless we take him in, which will be another $600 or so. I am going to order the Zmox H-6 from you. Do you have anything I can sedate him with.
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Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian Reply:
January 24th, 2012 at 11:55 am
No prescription drugs at this time available unless you get from your vet. you can try be serene from 1800petmeds.
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