Originally posted by dragondawg
for the most part it's due to excess moisture in the ear.

Once the ear has been massively infected, the ecology of the ear is disrupted, and the infection will readily come back. An unending struggle.

P.S. Per allergies, the yeast growth itself in the ear can cause allergic reactions. Time again for Benedryl.
Yes moisture is the culprit for sure! With poodles if the hair is not plucked (as unfortunately some people don't know to do) moisture gets trapped. My vet told me once that Bella's ears aren't as bad as some who come in. "Their ears are like a swamp." His words. Good description of moisture when it combines with fuzz.

Bella's ears don't have any fuzz but it seems to me that her ear canals are smaller than my last standard's were. When water gets in there she has a hard time shaking it out. This problem first arose after I began taking her to the groomer.

The vet's latest plan of attack for this problem is to anesthetize her and do a vigorous flushing and drying out of her ears. He gives no guarantees that it will not come back and I am also hesitant to have her "go under" for something without a guarantee. I am still rolling it over in my mind.

Chocolate puppy, I guess the reason vinegar and alcohol has never been suggested to me is that when I bring her in she is never completely "yeast free." *sigh*

Benedryl huh? Maybe we'll give that a try.