Flushing the Ears

[Heather Madden]

I have read some of the posts regarding ear infections. My doodle, Beau has had ongoing ear infections and after trying numerous medications, and also changing his diet to help allergies- he is still having them and is in pain. My vet has told me that he is not yet a candidate for the ablation. However, she suggests flushing his ears out to drain the infection. Has anyone had any experience with this procedure and if so, has it worked? Apparently it is not a cure for the infections, but it does make them more manageable. Would appreciate any input.

 

Thanks,

 

Heather

[Heather Madden]

Thank you all so much! If this does not work, I will look into the dermatologist.

[F, Calla & Luca]

One dangerI would worry about is if the drum is perforated. You do not want to get fluid in the middle ear but I guess the vet does not think this is a problem. The breeders recommend this recipe but you might need to have the ear flush done first. Karen is correct that gentian violet is for yeast infections.
http://www.dailypuppy.com/articles/how-to-make-homemade-ear-cleaner...

[Donna K & Quincy]

I tried this for Quincy's yeasty ears but it didn't work for him. It actually made his ears sore. We ended up getting a prescription from the vet.

[Heather Madden]

Thank you! Beau has had the yeast in the past, and he has had the rod shaped bacteria which has been really hard to control. I hear that they are really hard to treat! So once they flush the fluid out that is in there and test to see what bacteria he has and what antibiotics are immune to it, hopefully this will make a difference and they can treat it appropriately. I really do appreciate all the help!

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good luck with Beau.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Good luck Heather. I know how you've both been struggling with his ears. I would most likely be doing the flush if we hadn't cleared up Murphy's with the last round of antibiotics. The pseudomonis and e-coli and everything else that grows in there is very hard to treat and after watching him in so much discomfort, I'd rather he just run in the sprinklers now than swim and go through all that again. But we miss his swimming antics as much as he probably misses swimming. Very hard to not let him swim I am sure.
PS: thank you for the samples you sent over with Michele!!!

[Heather Madden]

Thanks! I am so glad you suggested the TEP Powder! Wish I would have started that earlier. We have to get our doodles all together soon!

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

We are having our Arizona Doodle Romps again, starting Sept 11. We will meet at 8am and hope it's not too hot. We are at the Paseo Vista Dog Park on Ocotillo and McQueen. Check out the events tab on top of this page.
Let us know what you decide about the flush.

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Over the years, I have had dogs that needed surgical ear-flushing by the vet. It was really no big deal and it really helped as step one in a bad ear problem. For home use, I use Nolva-cleanse that I get from the vet. It is quite easy to do on my Springer and IMPOSSIBLE to do on my rescue doodle. You put the applicator right down into the ear canal and squeeze, close the ear flap and rub the base of the ear - you should hear squishy sounds. Then I use cotton rounds to clean out the ear before applying medicine (if it is needed). I am more comfortable using a prepared solution than making my own in case I get the proportions wrong in my home-made solution.

[Adrienne Shapiro]

Thanks Nancy, Shayna is on medicine, I just wanted to know specifically about the vinegar and water solution rinse for the ears..

[Heather Madden]

Thanks Nancy,

That is great to hear that it worked! I will look into the nolva-cleanse!