but I need to know when can I stop cleaning it out daily and applying triple antibiotic? In other words when it seems better how do I know it really is better enough that I can leave it alone?
2007-10-05 15:55:46 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
As KimbeeJ said, your vet should have taken a swab of the ear before starting treatment, and should do a repeat swab two weeks later to assess whether or not the treatment is working, so this is something you need to discuss with your vet.
It is important not to stop treatment until the infection is cleared up- particularly where bacteria are concerned, incomplete treatment can help to encourage resistance to the drugs.
As to cleaning the ear- are you using a special ear wash from the vet (e.g. EpiOtic or Malacetic Otic)? Are you still getting a reasonable amount of waxy discharge out when you're cleaning the ear? Again, talk to your vet, but if the ear is relatively clean you can probably cut the cleaning back to once every 2-3 days- the main reason for cleaning every day when the ears are infected is that the antibiotics can't work properly if the ears are full of muck.
Hope that helps, and hope your dog's ears are on the mend.
2007-10-05 16:23:26 · answer #1 · answered by Loz 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Depends, what did the vet say? Most yeast ear infections take a minimum of 10 days to clear up. Bacterial infections can take longer. Your vet should have done a cytology to determine what was growing in the ear. After a specific time, he should repeat the cytology to see if it is totally cleared up or not--usually 2 weeks later. If you stop treating any kind of ear problem too soon, it will only come back. Always use a good ear cleaner to dry your dogs ears out after bathing to prevent problems.
2007-10-05 16:09:02 · answer #2 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dog has chronic ear infections, and my dad has to clean his ears out at least once a week. When he has a flare-up, we clean his ears more often and put the antibiotic in.
2007-10-05 16:05:09 · answer #3 · answered by Caitlin 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My dog, as well as most dogs with ear infections, are chronic issues. You may have to keep this up for a long time, possibly as long as he lives. My dog has had the same issue for a few years already, and it's caused by the thyroid medication he needs. It's a bad side effect, but I'd rather tend to his ears, then tend to his grave.
Good Luck.
2007-10-05 15:59:56 · answer #4 · answered by FRANKFUSS 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
General rule is 7 - 10 days. But still keep it clean for a few more days so that it doesn't have any reason to come back.
2007-10-05 15:58:37 · answer #5 · answered by jeepiegurl 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
well once itlooks better stopbut justto make sure take hom too the vet or put a bandaid over it (im really sorry)
2007-10-05 15:59:22 · answer #6 · answered by dude-dre 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
once it doesnt smell and starts to look a light pink again
2007-10-05 16:25:20 · answer #7 · answered by My Name Is Trip 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋