Environmental Allergies and Ear Infections

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Forgive me because I often skip the discussions on allergies, environmental allergies, and other discussions on ear infections.  I did not think we had allergies.

But I have a combination that I wanted to run by the discussions.

Forever, I have just accepted the fact that I have a dog with poodle genes that is predisposed to ear problems. But really I found his ear infections odd. No matter how much good care I give his ears,  they return.

Until today, it was never brought to my attention that this may be allergy.  But looks like it is.

Spud has had his share of ear infections. Always in one ear.  The right ear.  Once it starts it seems impossible to get rid of the  cycle of allergy, then infection, then allergy, still infection.......

His eye also becomes flared with white goopey discharge. That is always one of the first signs.

We have been battling this last infection for almost a month.  It is worse than ever.

Today we were told that these infections are first allergies that eventually become inflamed and irritated enough to fester up bacteria. Even with antibiotics the infection clears only to return because of the allergy.  Get the picture?

They do seem to come in early Spring and late Summer/Fall. 

I know those of you with Atopic Dermatitis I've read you wash your dogs paws.  What the heck can I do for environmental allergies and an angry ear?

Maybe it is not environmental at all?  Could be the ear wash, the Thornit ( actually this was a good thing for awhile), and the antibiotic gel we were applying.  Something caused an allergic reaction and a nasty cycle of infection and swelling.

He did have a steroid shot today and started on a different antibiotic orally and drops.  Everything has changed.  That's a good thing because he certainly is no better.  What a sick and miserable puppy  :(

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Oh my.  Pseudomonas is evil.  In the lab it used to grow a color of alien green.  We called it alien illness.  Okay, long story.  But that is scarey. 

If this is not cleared in two weeks I'll ask for the culture.  My DH took him back in today.  I have no idea if they did a culture but certainly that is a good idea. 

[Linda and Murphy]

Joanne, you would know if it is Psuedomonas. Remember that very distinctive odor?  Yuck

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Everything stunk in that lab!  But now I remember that REALLY STUNK.  Okay, that is not what I smell now.   Thanks Linda.  BTW. I've missed you.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Does it smell yeasty?

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

No

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Our Springer battles ear infections with his left ear being the most difficult to clear.  We have been given different instructions as to cleaning - when infected don't clean, just medicate;  or clean and then wait a couple of hours before medicating; or clean and immediately medicate......  Different meds tried.  We even switched foods from a salmon based to a lamb base - only because it seemed to make a difference to him.  Once (after months) we get it really cleared up, it seems to stay that way for months.  In checking his ears yesterday, we found that they are a bit yucky so......  Clancy has gotten an ear infection in the spring and in the fall since we got him - I say definitely allergies.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Nancy, I get different instructions too.  I'm miffed.  Certainly, this will be another year where JULY will be a great month.  This infection should clear by June, then start again in August and finally clear in November.

It is what it is but it's frustrating. If I knew what to do, I'd do it.  I have turned over all cleaning and care to DH.  I think I get sympathy pain. 

This last time we did get it cleared for months and I swore it was the regime of Thornit. Of course, we won't be using that until this clears and then awhile after that.  Just frustrated to see him so miserable.

His entire head is sideways. 

[Lee Seidman]

try Thornit Ear Powder....works miracles on ears! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5OAkSgXpCQ

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Thanks Barb. I did mention above we use Thornit, but I would Never put Boric Acid into an ear that was scalding red.  Thornit is great on healthy ears but never on an ear that is as raw as this!  Ouch!
This is a full blown infection requiring several types of antibiotics and a steroid yo reduce skin inflammation.  We will go back to Thornit as a preventative once it completely heals.

[Christine & Camus]

Camus had an ear infection that I could not clear up no matter what I did and to make matters worse he reacted to the various ear cleaning liquids.  Long story short, I took him to a dermatologist (Karen's suggestion) and he was put on an oral antifungal medication.  His ear now looks great, but it still has higher than normal fungus so I continue with the ear was formula that I was given (50% water, 25% alcohol, 25% vinegar - mixed fresh for each application 3x weekly).  I am planning on having him tested soon to determine exactly what he is allergic to.  Interesting point is that his regular vet told me that when a dog presents with ear infections in only one ear it usually points to allergies.  My original post is at:  http://www.doodlekisses.com/forum/topics/i-m-at-a-loss-several-mont...   And his eyes are also involved - a very gooey, sticky discharge.

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Oh I remember this post so well. At the time, once you posted the reason and follow up I thought this had nothing to do with our problems. Of course, at that time, we were on a really good streak with no infections. Now it is so much closer than I could have imagined. This helps.
He is one miserable dog today. He won't even move :(
Thanks for your response and help

[Christine & Camus]

I hope he feels better soon.  It is difficult to see them so miserable. and feeling helpless.  Taking Camus to the dermatologist was one of the best decisions I ever made.