Larador with ear infection

J

jenz87

Well-Known Member
Joined
22 June 2009
Messages
1,055
Location
Yorkshire
Visit site
My 1 year old labby keeps getting mild ear infections, been to the vets 3 times and they keep giving me canaural which clears it up but few months later its back...She goes on the yard every day and is in and out of hay / straw / mud / muck heap etc etc. However she hasnt ever really been submerged in water.

Any advice?

Thanks
 
I would try changing her food. Mine was always at the vet but now on a grain free food she is absolutely fine.
 
As above, ear infections are often the sign of an allergy, could be food, could be something in her environment. Food is the easiest thing to monitor so try it first.

Wheat allergies are common, sometimes it's all grains, could be dairy. Try a good quality single protein source food, fish is often a good place to start. I feed Millies Wolfheart, it has no grains, bulk is provided by potatoes and veg. They are very helpful, you can ring or email for advice.
 
Thornit canker powder worked very well with our Lab, who had a similar problem when she was younger. You use a tiny amount every 6-8 weeks and it keeps their ears very clean, fresh and irritation free. It is easily available on the Internet, with full instructions for use.
 
I would add, even putting ours on Skinners grain free didn't work, it contains beet pulp, so after much promo from Thistle I went onto MWH.
 
Thornit powder if good but unless your vet identifies the bacteria that are causing the infection you won't get very far! Just prescribing the same antibiotic isn't the solution. You do need to sort this as soon as possible or it will probably keep reoccurring. Your lab may need a longer time on the meds so that a resistance doesn't develop. If you're not getting anywhere try another vet who specialises in dogs!
 
It it's clearing up though and not returning for a few months then it sounds like the antibiotic is working rather than any resistance problem, but that something is triggering reinfection.
 
I have a springer who is very prone to ear infections, just cant keep him out of the water! Last time I asked the vet whether surgery might be an answer and although he wasnt against it, we took some swabs and managed to identify a type of bacteria. He was prescribed a much stronger ear drop which we used for almost a month, cleared it up a treat. So, are you sure the Canurel is the right drug to use, he may need something a bit tougher if the infection keeps coming back.
 
Get the swabs done! We did one on puss cat when he had a really persistent one that Thornit just wouldn't fix. Turns out he had a GI type bacteria in there, very odd. I suspect the water at the river. Ick.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top