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Question
02 Dec 2012
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GS chronic ear infection
I have two sister 20mth old female German Shepherds. Saskia and Kira.
Saskia is suffering from constant ear infections. Her first ear infection was in September and the vet gave her a 14day antibiotic with 10 days anti-inflammatories.
The infection re-occured again on 6 October and we then completed a 30 day anti-biotics and 10 days anti-inflammatories which after 2 weeks i bought more anti-inflams from the vet as she was still in lots of pain scratching and crying. This course was completed on 6 November and i watched closely. With the start of this course i started putting Mirra-Cote on her food. Although she wasn''t scratching and crying constantly i could see her ears still bothering her.
On 27 November things escalated again and i collected another 30 day anti-biotics with 10 days anti-inflams. I also started her on Hill Science Sensitive with her Mirra-Cote hoping a better food will make a difference. Today is day 5 on her anti-biotics and anti-inflams and she is scratching and crying terribly.
She is getting 1 x 500 RANCEPH capsule in the morning and 1 x 500 RANCEPH capsule and 150mg R (anti-inflam) at night. And her meals are divided into morning and evening feeds. She doesnt like swimming and doesnt get water in her ears from bathing etc. Kira, her sister has none of these issues.
I am thinking of getting a second opinion as my vet is just carrying on with the same treatment. Even on the meds or on completion thereof she doesn''t seem pain free. Please can I have some advise or perhaps a referral to a vet who can help. This is heart wrenching to see her like this and hear her crying.
On behalf of a suffering dog, Saskia, thank you for taking the time to read her story.
Much appreciation,
Samantha
Saskia is suffering from constant ear infections. Her first ear infection was in September and the vet gave her a 14day antibiotic with 10 days anti-inflammatories.
The infection re-occured again on 6 October and we then completed a 30 day anti-biotics and 10 days anti-inflammatories which after 2 weeks i bought more anti-inflams from the vet as she was still in lots of pain scratching and crying. This course was completed on 6 November and i watched closely. With the start of this course i started putting Mirra-Cote on her food. Although she wasn''t scratching and crying constantly i could see her ears still bothering her.
On 27 November things escalated again and i collected another 30 day anti-biotics with 10 days anti-inflams. I also started her on Hill Science Sensitive with her Mirra-Cote hoping a better food will make a difference. Today is day 5 on her anti-biotics and anti-inflams and she is scratching and crying terribly.
She is getting 1 x 500 RANCEPH capsule in the morning and 1 x 500 RANCEPH capsule and 150mg R (anti-inflam) at night. And her meals are divided into morning and evening feeds. She doesnt like swimming and doesnt get water in her ears from bathing etc. Kira, her sister has none of these issues.
I am thinking of getting a second opinion as my vet is just carrying on with the same treatment. Even on the meds or on completion thereof she doesn''t seem pain free. Please can I have some advise or perhaps a referral to a vet who can help. This is heart wrenching to see her like this and hear her crying.
On behalf of a suffering dog, Saskia, thank you for taking the time to read her story.
Much appreciation,
Samantha
CyberVet
There are a number of reasons for a chronic ear infection - parasites, something within the ear (grass/debri), resistant bacterial infection, yeast or fungal infection, anatomical defect within the ear canal. With the breed and age an underlying allergy (food/pollens) is also a very important consideration.
Further assessment would be an ear swab for cytology and culture, x-rays of the ear canal, and skin biopsies (looking for possible underlying allergies).
In these cases a specific diagnosis needs to be made and treated otherwise the dog can end up with chronic end-stage ear disease that requires surgical removal of the ear canal.
Further assessment would be an ear swab for cytology and culture, x-rays of the ear canal, and skin biopsies (looking for possible underlying allergies).
In these cases a specific diagnosis needs to be made and treated otherwise the dog can end up with chronic end-stage ear disease that requires surgical removal of the ear canal.
The information provided does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition. You should consult a medical practitioner or other appropriate health care professional for a physical examination, diagnosis and formal advice. Health24 and the expert accept no responsibility or liability for any damage or personal harm you may suffer resulting from making use of this content.
