Persistent Ear Problem - Page 2

Thank you all so much.  You don't know how much I appreciate your help.

I almost feel like maybe I can live now to fight another day for my sweet boy.

I have had the same problem for the last 7 years with my girl. It is a yeast bacterial infection and yes it always comes back. i have been to 3 vets and all say the same thing. have tried all types of treatments. it clears up quickly but always comes back within 2 months. this has been discussed several times on this board and quite a few people have had the same problem.

I have tried everyones suggestions and most work for a time but it always returns.  I am always open to new ideals.  I have been told by several vets to use one tablespoon of vinager to a cup of water which i do use.

Orca Mom, here are some posts from a time when I finally cured a dog from chronic yeast and/or bacterial infections. It has now been a year, and his ears are very clean.

http://www.pedigreedatabase.com/gsd/bulletins_read/73424.html#73458

Bob-O

Bob 

I have tried the cleaning of the ear daily but it still came back.

One question..My girl does not get normal looking wax but a thick black substance..Is this what your dog had? I would do anything to clear this up as i have been treating off/on for 7 years.

DesertRangers, yes the buildup was thick and black in all cases. Sometimes it was determined to be bacterial, sometimes yeast. The treatment was the same.

During spring 2006 I became unemployed about the same time this dog had his bout with the infection, so I was able to stay on top of it and make his life a living hell as far as his ears were concerned. I cleaned them several times daily; just using the Vetamax gel to soften the wax and wiped out ear ear with a cotton makeup pad stolen from my wife's supply of them. It worked, and it has now been a year since and no infections. His ears are still very clean inside.

Was the heavy pollen from the oak trees to blame? Beats me. Perhaps the real blame was with me, as I never made his ears clean enough even though I followed the recommendations of an excellent veterinarian. He is very touchy about his ears and I spent at least two (2) weeks working with them.

Bob-O