Reg: 08-29-2006
Posts: 2324
Loc: Central Coast, California
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Quote: Connie Sutherland
Quote: Debbie Bruce
Will one of the nicer collars still keep the end of the back foot away from the ear? I've never used one to know.
Ooooh, very good question. Does anyone here know?
My guess is that no, it will not.
The soft collars/donuts are effective in keeping a dog from turning his head to chew on his body but I'm not confident they are big enough or sturdy enough to keep one of those long legs from getting up to the ear.
The only way to be sure would be to give it a try.
I dont believe the meds you were given will take care of a yeast infection just a bacterial infection. I learned that today because my dog has the same type of ear infection. I started with another vet that sounds a lot like your vet so I switched. Th new vet gave me a med to put in the ear and said if didnt work to come back and he will do a culture. Anyways I kind of know what your going through. Very frustrating!!
Reg: 08-29-2006
Posts: 2324
Loc: Central Coast, California
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Ears can be infected with both yeast and bacteria and a simple ear swab cytology, looked at under the scope in-office, will tell the vet exactly what is going on and, more importantly, what medication(s) are needed to treat it.
IMO, it should be SOP at the first office call when a dog presents with an ear infection and particularly when antibiotics are prescribed. I've gotten the impression that's not the case with some vets.
Guessing isn't good enough when it comes to infections and ears.
We usually do some Tramadol for pain, Mometamax, Medrol and Cephalexin, along with a good ear cleaning/flushing initially. This combo usually does the trick.
Connie Sutherland Moderator Reg: 07-13-2005
Posts: 31571
Loc: North-Central coast of California
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Once a dog has had an ear infection (no matter what is the underlying cause), I'd strongly recommend regular checking inside the ears by the owner so that inflammation or debris or any other early sign triggers immediate care. We don't want ear infections ever to get so bad that painkiller is even needed, and we can avoid this with vigilance.
I also agree 100% with Sarah that we want first to identify what's in there (yeast, bacteria) before prescribing. I can hardly describe how unhappy I would be if a vet said "Here, try this and if it doesn't work then I'll do a culture."
Just a quick update for those that posted their ideas. I appreciate the help. I have continued with the topical solution and the antiboitics. They seem to be helping.. Her ears look much better and she doesnt seem to be shaking or itching. Now i just have to get back with the vet to continue the antiboitic treatments. I plan to keep a closer eye on Mierra's ears in the future. One good thing that came out of this is she doesnt mind as much or she tolerates me cleaning and inspecting her ears.. Now if I could get the same response when I clip her nails I would be set.. thanks again guys and God Bless You!!!
Melissa Thom Webboard User Reg: 12-04-2007
Posts: 2781
Loc: Upper Left hand corner, USA
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If you use one of the donut collars (inflatable) and put it on correctly it will keep the hind foot away from the ear a bit better than the lampshade which has a irritating gap between the collar and the lampshade. Some of the better lampshade collars do have a bit of a narrower gap and are more usable than the cheap white plastic ones at the vet.
I'm sorry it's such a bad ear infection. I personally use on the lab an earwash found http://www.woodhavenlabs.com/ears.html from kelrobin labradors along with gentizol from the vet.
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