Ear Infections

[mainpower]

Hi, hoping that you dog experts could maybe help? I have a 9yo Jack Russell, who is very prone to ear infections, he averages 5 a year, and the vet treatment is getting very expensive! They discharge slightly, it's not canker, the inside of the outer ear gets a bit crusty and he's really uncomfortable. Although he hasn't had an EUA the vet's pretty sure it's not something trapped down there. Any ideas on prevention or cure (at around £70 a visit, it's a bit draining at the mo). The vet prescribes anti b's and ear drops, but I have tried Chlorhexidine which gave a little relief.

 

[prosefullstop]

Have you ruled out certain food allergies? I don't have personal experience of ear infections, but I do believe that they can sometimes be linked to allergies.

 

[Spudlet]

Do you use ear cleaner regularly?

Someone on here knows how to make your own, and if they could please post it I would be grateful cos I want to make some too! But if not it doesn't cost much from a pet shop.

Sorry if I'm stating the bleedin' obvious and you already do this

 

[mainpower]

The Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic ear cleaner... I used it for a week on, week off sort of thing.
And interesting the link between ear infections/allergies, will look into that, thanks!

 

[Spudlet]

Oh sorry - thought I recognised the name of the stuff but didn't realise exactly what it was

 

[GinaB]

Definitely look into allergies, Beastie was prone to excessive ear itching and discharge and it actually turned out to be the protein in her food doing it so she has to eat low protein foods

She usually gets it at around 18% now.

 

[mainpower]

I only ever feed mine Gusto dry food, will have a look on the bag in a minute!
Hopping Robin... your spaniel is cute!

 

[JRT]

I don't know whether this is relevant or not but my cat had the same thing, ear infection after ear infection, turned out he has a polyp which can only be removed by a specialist vet, however he has been prescribed ear drops which he has to have put in twice a day and he seems to be coping pretty well. Eventually he lost his balance and had to go in for xrays and that's how we found out what it was. Might be an idea to get the same done for you dog?

 

[CorvusCorax]

I treat with Epiotic ear cleaner, that is the best I have used so far, also tried Canaural, Surolan and another one...

Mine has food allergies, they are surprisingly common.

He could also have an allergy to mites.

 

[mainpower]

Where do you get Epiotic ear cleaner? Canaural is what the vet gives us. Surprisingly the bog standard dog food I feed is 22% protein, so will get something else tomorrow. He is allergic to flea bites, and scratches his back near his tail a lot, but only in summer, and doesn't coincide with the ears. Thanks to those who have replied so far!
Would a polyp not show up with the otoscope?

 

[JRT]

Well the vet we used only found it when he was x-rayed. However his ear was really bad at the time, perhaps there was too much infection for them to see properly. Might be worth mentioning to your vet if it flares up again. Fingers crossed it clears up on its own.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Sorry, just seen your reply, I got mine from the vet, it is quite new over here.

Mine does the hair above his croup too.