Baylee...I found the BEST vet. site yet for discussion of ear infections; symptoms, causes, treatments, etc., including yeast infections! It is too extensive to copy here, so I've included the address! I have included a bit of the article addressing yeast infections. It does mention swmimming/water in the ear canal as a common cause of yeast infections! Have a look! And hi to your labbie! What's his name??


Perpetuating factors
Perpetuating factors are those factors that allow the inflammaation and irritation to continue, even if and when the primary factor is controlled. These factors are often considered as primary factors....actual causes of otitis externa...however, they rarely start the inflammatory process.
Bacterial and yeast infections
Bacterial and yeast infections are the most common perpetuating factors. They are often (erroneously) considered as the cause or only important consideration in the treatment of otitis externa!
The most common bacteria associated with ear infections are Staphylococcus intermedius, Proteus mirabilis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Pseudomonas spp infections are often notoriously difficult to control. (See treatment)
Bacterial infections of the ear result in malodor, excessive exudation (drainage of pus-like material), and ulceration. They frequently make the ear extremly painful to any handling.
Malassezia pachydermatis is the yeast found most frequently in association with otitis externa.
Malassezia organisms are considered normal inhabitants of the ear canals, although in small numbers.
Malassezia infections result in accumulation of a cream-to-dark waxy, odiferous discharge.
Malassezia otitis is frequently associated with a generalized cutaneous infection by the same organism.


http://www.vetmed.iastate.edu/units/...on/otitis.html
Here's the link to the site!

[ July 27, 2001: Message edited by: tatsxxx11 ]