Chronic ear infection - Page 2

My GSD had problems for years until I switched him to a grain-free kibble and all of the ear problems vanished. 

I would collect a sample of ear discharge and run a culture and sensitivity;  fairly inexpensive and will tell you absolutely what the bacteria is sensitive to;  otherwise it is a crap shoot and a guessing game.  BOL  Nan

Nans gsd - good advice
I'd also check for worms......

I do have to clean his ears quite frequently.  He doesn't get a lot of gunk in them, but I have to dig pretty good sometimes to get the stuff way down deep.  We've done the cultures a couple of times.  That's where we found out he had a yeast infection they told me was caused by some allergy.  They also said we could do blood work to find out just what he was allergic to, but it would be very expensive.  We might end up doing that.'

All in all, I think all the ideas will help me get his infections under control.  I especially like the baby wipes idea.  I would think the lotion in them would sooth his ears as well as clean them.  I use an ear wash by Vetoquinol called Vet Solutions.  Anything is worth it to keep him happy and comfortable.

Also, already checked for worms.

Please check out these 2 sites and read what Braggs Organic with the mother Apple Cider vinegar can do for animals and Humans..  Jack LaLanne was very into this. He also had GS

http://bragg.com/healthinfo/healthypets.html

http://earthclinic.com/pets.html

yeast infection of the ear - vinegar and water...... the simpler the better

the vinegar changes the ph balance so yeast cannot grow.

I forgot all about vinegar.  I used to make sure to put a tblsp in his water every day.  After this infection started, I have not been quite as diligent in making sure it's in his water every day.  Another good thing to add to my list of things to do.  You are all awesome.

No one mentioned that you may be cleaning the ears too much. No matter what you put in them your still washing away the good bacteria. I have a golden with ear issues and I limit any food that creates yeast growth (ie sugar). You would be amazed how much sugar is in treats so while your researching , be reading whats in the treats you feed. Any carb is a sugar and can negatively affect your guy. The molasses would not be something I would give. Yes it may be have beneficial vitamins but you can supplement those another way. Be careful that you don't get water into the ears that your dog cant shake out. Thats a breeding ground for bacteria. Ive actually had to treat both together (allergies and bacteria) and yet separate. What a pain that is. Now I rarely treat the ears. Remember if the ears dont smell or look inflamed, they may be just fine. I got so overzellous with his ears that the vet said he was a poster child for what a clean ear was.

And while your trying all these things out, remember that some of this will most likely be environmental which you most likely cant change. A rinse off with the hose or shower during high pollen times can help remove pollin from the coat for the dog to lick and ingest.

hi,could he have mites?did you try thornit powder for the ears?if he's nibbling at his paws it could possibly be a mite infection.a lot of the creams that vets recommend for ear infection seem to create a perfect envoirnment for breedin mites.and since the powder is dry,it dries out the ear.i used to have occasional ear infections in mine,until i started to use thornit powder,havn't had one since(touch wood).i "do"  all the dogs 2 to 3 times a year,and it seems to work.

I agree totally with dogud shepherd - Thornit Powder, which is obtainable on the interneet, and relatively inexpensive is the best thing out for chronic issues in ears.
Often, the itch - scratch - itch syndrome is going on and tiny mitesd are between their paws so they chew, and they then scratch their ears and transport the mites from one place to another - both nice, warm moist and cosy for the mites, ears and between dogs toes.
I have given this advice to so many clients now with massive excellent results that it is for me, the first thing to try, but remember to put some into a little plastic bag and shake your dogs paws in it as well as inside the ear.
I also go with not cleaning like you are doing.   I am sure your cleaning is caused by knowing that something is wrong, but ears have their own way of cleansing themselves deep down so you only need do the "see-able" part.

Mo.