ear infections

**pnance** · 12-27-2005, 03:41 PM

I'd appreciate any help on this. Nikka our chow/pointer mix has ears that almost constantly have "gunk" (can't think of another way to describe it) in them. We've taken her to the vet numerous times and been given otimax (sp??) which clears it up for a couple of weeks then we're back to the same problem. We clean them 2X a week and try to use peroxide to loosen everything up but never seem to get everything. It's pretty much a chronic problem she's always had. I was wondering if anyone knew of anything else that might help.

**lizbud** · 12-27-2005, 04:44 PM

My Vet uses the same antibiotic. After the infection clears up the
Vet recommends Malacetic Otic (ear cleanser) drops several times a week
to keep the ears cleaner.

**chocolatepuppy** · 12-27-2005, 05:26 PM

I use a mixture of half white vinegar and half rubbing alcohol on a baby wipe to clean my pups ears which was recommended by my vet after Mandy having chronic ear infections. The vet said never use it if they have an infection. It has worked wonders for Mandy, so far no infections. I'd check with my vet before trying anything though.

**pnance** · 12-28-2005, 11:13 AM

Thanks, she doesn't have an infection just a lot of stuff in the ear...so I'll try the viniger combo and see what that does. Seems like the only thing I haven't tried...

Originally Posted by lizbud

My Vet uses the same antibiotic. After the infection clears up the
Vet recommends Malacetic Otic (ear cleanser) drops several times a week
to keep the ears cleaner.

Can you get that at a pet store or is vet perscribed?

**lizbud** · 12-28-2005, 11:25 AM

I got Smokey's at the Vet's office, but I believe they do sell ear
cleansers at most pet stores.

**lv4dogs** · 12-28-2005, 11:28 AM

Have you asked your vet if there is a stronger antibiotic that she can be on or even a longer dose of the meds? Since it re-occurs so soon after it clears up it makes me wonder if the meds didn't get all of the infection out.

What food is she on? Raustyk had ear infection after ear infection (or at least she would if I was not so diligent at keeping them clean). She was on a good food but for other reasons as it was unkown that the food may have caused it I switched her to Nutro & no ear problems since. I used to have to clean her ears out every 2-3 days & she'd still get infections sometimes now she can go months without cleaning before they even start to get dirty.

How is her hair around her ears? If she has a lot of hair maybe try cutting some of it away to help the air get in her ears more. If she has a lot of hair that may help the infection grow.

**pnance** · 12-28-2005, 12:30 PM

Thanks lizbud I'll see what I find.

lv4dogs she gets fed Canidae. I'd thought about food before but we've had her for about 4 years now and doesn't matter what food she's on she gets them. She's short haired so no extra fur around the ears. In fact her ear shape is probably similar to Raustyk, maybe slightly smaller. We're at the point now the vet pretty much just refills our otimax(sp??) perscription w/o having her come in and lets us dose as needed. We've tried longer and shorter times and doesn't seem to help. I hadn't discussed another antibiotic though, I just assumed that was the strongest one. I'll give the vet a call, but do you have any suggestions on a stronger one?

**lv4dogs** · 12-28-2005, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by pnance

Thanks lizbud I'll see what I find.

lv4dogs she gets fed Canidae. I'd thought about food before but we've had her for about 4 years now and doesn't matter what food she's on she gets them. She's short haired so no extra fur around the ears. In fact her ear shape is probably similar to Raustyk, maybe slightly smaller. We're at the point now the vet pretty much just refills our otimax(sp??) perscription w/o having her come in and lets us dose as needed. We've tried longer and shorter times and doesn't seem to help. I hadn't discussed another antibiotic though, I just assumed that was the strongest one. I'll give the vet a call, but do you have any suggestions on a stronger one?

I wish I did, but after 5 years of not working at a vets office my memory has failed me some, not to mention I am sure times have changed & there are new products available. lol Have you tried giving her an oral antibiotic along with the ointment? Maybe she just needs a boost? Or even a different type of ear antibiotic, I know the vets I used to work at had a majic ear potion, it was tresiderm mixed with Conofite and it worked wonders on puzzeling ear problems. I can't remember the percentage of what to what but your vet should be able to find that out. If not I can call my old vet & ask them for you if your vet thinks it is worth a shot.