Oh poor Starr, he's one of my favourites on here (as you know).

Yeast is easily seen under a microscope, its growth pattern is quite distinctive to someone who knows what to look for. Like little buds all joined together end to end, and branching in growth habit. They can probably make up a slide and check it on the spot at the vets. If its symptoms are anything like women go through with Candida he will be uncomfortable and itchy. Poor little Starr. Hug from me, please.

I'd be verycareful with Q tips, I won't even use them in my own ears, anyway I find them too big. I fold a Kleenex and wind a corner of it and make a nice cone shape, not too pointy. Nothing can come off and get left in the ear.