We have a 2 year-old St. Bernard who can not shake her ear infection. The vets don't seem to do anything but prescribe useless meds. We've cleaned it, treated it, used drops, goop, sprays. It seems like nothing helps. She's had it for 5 months now. No one in the house can sleep because we have thin walls and all night she shakes her head violently which is very loud. I feel bad for her and I feel bad for my babies who keep waking up. Please help!
2007-12-03 06:46:52 · 8 answers · asked by oremus_fratres 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Thanks so much for all the great tips everyone! We have an appointment tomorrow with the vet. I will also maybe give our chiropractor a call, I think one of them works with animals. I do really feel for my Saint. She's a sweetheart. Thanks again. I feel the same way that this is way too long.
2007-12-03 10:47:14 · update #1
Did your veterinarian take a swab of the bacteria in her ear and send it to the lab for a culture and sensitivity? The culture will grow the specific bacteria that is causing the chronic ear infection(s), the lab will be able to identify the bacteria and then run it through an antibiotic sensitivity test. The sensitivity test will determine which antibiotics (at what percentage) will kill the bacteria which will treat the ear infection. I would have your vet do this asap. Your poor Saint is obviously uncomfortable and it is not good to allow ear infections to go on this long (my teeth are cringing!). This could cause more damage (specifically to the canal).
Also, has your veterinarian ever suggested an ear flush? That should be the next step (once the swab is sent to the lab, but before you start antibiotics). Ear flushing is done under anesthesia (sometimes sedation can be used). We go in and remove all the excess hair in the ear (if any) and literally flush out the ear. We flush with sterile water and with medication. And then you will start the antibiotics that the culture and sensitivity recommends. I wish you the best of luck.
Smooches to your Saint from mine!
2007-12-03 06:50:12 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
This may sound a little strange, but try an animal chiropractor. Chiropractic overall has great results with chronic ear infections (by straightening the Eustacian tubes) and activator treatment of an animal is very easy.
Your local regular chiropractor may even do it if they are animal lovers.
2007-12-03 14:55:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Aren't the vets concerned she has had an ear infection for 5 months??
Maybe she has an allergy to something that keeps aggravating her ear infection. A special allergy food could help.
2007-12-03 14:51:53 · answer #3 · answered by Carrie O'Labrador 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Try another Vet. It could be thyroid related. I went thru this with my cocker spaniel> What an ordeal.
You are doing all you can, but it has been been thoroughly clear and just keeps rebuilding. See if your vet can get more agressive with the treatment. It's it bacterial, an antibiotic may be appropriate???? It's is fungal, cleaning and creams?
2007-12-03 14:55:00 · answer #4 · answered by Lyn B 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I took my cat in for an ear infection and after a year of trying to treat it the vet finally diagnosed bone cancer. I hope this is not the poblem with your dog.
2007-12-03 14:52:01 · answer #5 · answered by Faith D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get a new Vet! If this has been going on for 5 months, there's something very wrong!!!
2007-12-03 15:10:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With floppy ear dogs, all that shaking can cause a "cauliflower ear". Broken blood vessels in the ear. Get treatment quick.
2007-12-03 15:02:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
did they ever test for ear mites? or treat for mite?
perhaps you should see another vet? give them the full history.
the only other option is surgery, if they can't properly treat it....
but please see another vet, if this one can't do anything.
2007-12-03 14:56:25 · answer #8 · answered by Rochelle T 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋