Never ending ear infection

[Rock Bottom]

I have a female dog that is about 4 years old. She seems to always have an ear infection. I take her to the vet and we get some panalog and it clears right up. 3-4 weeks later it all starts again. I am putting "Vet Solutions" otic solution in her ears every other day and it seems to help but not stop the infection from coming back. Any help would be great........Thanks

[Doc S]

One or both ears involved? Does she ever have any other dermatologic issues? Doc S

[Rock Bottom]

It will start off in the left ear and in a day or two its in both. Starts as redness the it turns to the brown wax stuff. She has never had any skin issues.

[Doc S]

Has your veterinarian done an ear cytology (take swabs, make and stain slides to examine) on her ears? This would more closely direct them as to the most appropriate course of treatment. Have they discussed the possibility of food allergies with you? Often times an "ear infection" can be a sign of additional problems like food or inhaled allergies, hypothyroidism, or Cushing's Disease. Doc S

[Rock Bottom]

I am not up on Cushing's. I'm pretty sure its not hypothyroid, she has a nice silky slick coat and has plenty of energy. I have had her on different foods in the past 2 years and it has never seemed to make any difference. They did do a smear slide once but nothing showed. Once it starts up in her ear it gets the dark waxy stuff and RED and swells almost closed.

[BJK]

Rock,

I recently had a dog die from complications of a long-time recurring ear infection. The dog had a tick lodged inside the ear canal.

Nate, BJK

[Doc S]

Sounds like this needs to be explored further. I would not be at all surprised to have allergies be an underlying factor. I would recommend you have this seen again, and even possibly go to a veterinary dermatologist. Doc S