Yeast Infection

[FairyDogMother]

Phoebe went to the vet today. I thought she had an ear infection. She did but it's a yeast infection . He said it could have been caused by a parasite. I'm thinking NO Way! I take care of all of mine and my fosters in all matters of parasite control and couldn't imagine what kind would cause a yeast infection??? He didn't offer any suggestions either. Sounds odd to me. Anyone else ever have this and what were you told the cause was?
I've also been careful to keep her ears clean because they flop down even though they're not terrible hairy underneath.
She should be fine in 10 days, 80 bucks later and meds twice a day!

[mara]

My Boxer had yeast infections in her ears all the time....I was told some dogs are more prone to them. Some have a tendancy to have dampness in their ears and yeast will form. It has a very destinct odor....it got to the point where my vet let me keep some Otomax at home so I could start it if I caught a wiff of the odor. She never had mites or anything that I know of. The other way I could tell she was getting it was if another dog started licking her ears.

[Bosley Slave]

Originally Posted by Teresa

Phoebe went to the vet today. I thought she had an ear infection. She did but it's a yeast infection . He said it could have been caused by a parasite. I'm thinking NO Way! I take care of all of mine and my fosters in all matters of parasite control and couldn't imagine what kind would cause a yeast infection??? He didn't offer any suggestions either. Sounds odd to me. Anyone else ever have this and what were you told the cause was?
I've also been careful to keep her ears clean because they flop down even though they're not terrible hairy underneath.
She should be fine in 10 days, 80 bucks later and meds twice a day!

I'm assuming that your vet did a culture to make sure it is yeast. I agree that some dogs are more prone to ear issues than others. I know our golden is prone to ear infections and I use an ear wash, also once a week I put a small drop of vinegar in the ear. If she gets repeated ear problems you may want to look at allergy testing.

From what I gather all dogs have this type of yeast on their bodies but not all dogs react to it. If the immune system is slightly down due to allergies, stress, etc., it can cause a problem.

[FairyDogMother]

Originally Posted by mara

The other way I could tell she was getting it was if another dog started licking her ears.

If this were a sign, poor Ginger would always have infections cuz Oliver can't keep his tongue off of her LOL. Back to Phoebes..
The stuff I use to clean her ears has a distinct smell. Maybe that's why I never noticed the yeast smell? She's had one other infection but I don't remember it being yeast soon after I adopted her.
Thanks Mara. I feel better about it not being parasites! There was no way. I pick at all of the cats & dogs like a little monkey to make sure everything is A-Ok with them!

[FairyDogMother]

Originally Posted by Bosley Slave

I'm assuming that your vet did a culture to make sure it is yeast. I agree that some dogs are more prone to ear issues than others. I know our golden is prone to ear infections and I use an ear wash, also once a week I put a small drop of vinegar in the ear. If she gets repeated ear problems you may want to look at allergy testing.

From what I gather all dogs have this type of yeast on their bodies but not all dogs react to it. If the immune system is slightly down due to allergies, stress, etc., it can cause a problem.

Yes, he did the culture and it's yeast. I do use a wash weekly. This is only her 2nd ear infection and I've had her 3-1/2 years now. Maybe she does have some golden as I've suspected and that's why she's more prone to them? My sisters dog growing up was a golden/springer mix and he always had ear infections. Her ears are similar and that's why I try to keep them cleaned and check them frequently. She's been really healthy so I doubt she's got allergies. I'm betting on the moisture trapped. Makes the most sense to me.
What does the vinegar do? I'm game for trying anything to keep these things at bay.

[Bosley Slave]

Originally Posted by Teresa

Yes, he did the culture and it's yeast. I do use a wash weekly. This is only her 2nd ear infection and I've had her 3-1/2 years now. Maybe she does have some golden as I've suspected and that's why she's more prone to them? My sisters dog growing up was a golden/springer mix and he always had ear infections. Her ears are similar and that's why I try to keep them cleaned and check them frequently. She's been really healthy so I doubt she's got allergies. I'm betting on the moisture trapped. Makes the most sense to me.
What does the vinegar do? I'm game for trying anything to keep these things at bay.

When I was going to Costa Rica and was having ear problems, he told the vinegar stops things from growing in the ear. He takes it when he does back country hiking trips. Diluted, distilled vinegar keeps the yeast under control, yeast has a hard time growing in a acid environment. Do not do the vinegar now with her meds, wait until her final check-up to see if it is cleared up and then you could use it once a week. Or ask your vet for an weekly ear treatment solution. I just use vinegar because it is cheap and Jesse hasn't had an ear infection since I started doing it.

[mara]

I think that a natural way of preventing yeast infections is the best way to go....I didn't know about vinegar until after my Boxer was gone. I definately would have tried that route instead of antibiotics.
Not long ago there were posts about dogs drinking apple cider vinegar but I can't remember what it was for. I wonder if that would also reduce ear infections in dogs prone to that by changing their body acid base?

[fairlight]

I agree with Bosely. Wait until Phoebe finishes with all her ear meds and gets a clean bill of health. With great Pyrs they are so proned to ear it is just awful. One of the techniques used is to mix half clear vinager with half alcohol. The vinager will kill the beginnings of infection and the alcohol will dry the ear/ears out. Since my dogs are big I use a condemant bottle and squeeze away. They are not happy campers but after doing this OUTSIDE let them shake their heads around to get all excess fluid out, plus it will dislodge much of the dirt in the ears. I caution...do NOT do this if your dog has seepage, or blood. This is just to keep the ears clean....and don;t forget doggie ear wipes.