Cocker Spaniels - ear infections

[Maishley]

Is there anything that my LL can use to help clear up an ear infection on one of her Cockers?

I know she should take the dog to a vet, but she has no funds for that.

[groominglady]

I have a list of suggestions, but realize that a vet is the first line of defense in an infection. There are two different kinds of ear infections: bacterial and fungal. You won't know which kind the dog has unless you go to the vet.

These are maintenance suggestions to prevent infections in a susceptible dog. They can help clear an angry inflamation, but require diligence and common sense.

1. Take a very close look at her food. Cockers are susceptible to many food allergies, and a single protein/grain/non-grain diet can work wonders with ear infections that are really allergic reactions.

2. Shave the entire inside of her ears and cheeks closely. #15 or #30 is good - #40 inside ears if your groomer has the skill to do this without burning the dog. You don't want that problem on top of ear infections.

3. Make sure that there is no water left in the ears after a bath. You can flood the ears with alcohol to dry the water, like swimmers do. Cotton balls in the ears during baths help, but they are often shaken out.

4. Put a puff of ear powder in the ears a few hours before cleaning them - especially one containing Idoform powder, which is antibacterial. That will absorb excess moisure and help kill the bad bugs.

5. Keep the ears clean. Wash them with a capful of ear cleaner and wipe out with a cotton ball on your finger. DO NOT use Q-tips. I would do this daily for a week if the ears are funky smelling. Make sure to wipe the hair surrounding the canal opening as well - that harbors bacteria, too.

6. Do not use anything that contains alcohol on raw, inflamed skin. It hurts like crazy and makes the problem worse.

Ears that are exuding pus or are putrid are beyond home care. This requires specific antibiotics and vet care. Ears that are swollen shut due to the infection cannot be cared for without vet help.

I believe you are in my area - you can PT me for vet suggestions. I do know of some that are a little less than others.

[Maishley]

Thanks for your help. I will pass those suggestions on to the LL.

[Maishley]

Can she use hydrogen peroxide and cotton balls to clean the ears?

[Dignity]

I've successfully used a product called petalive ear dr for my dog's ear infections. the stuff you get from the vet is much better though.

[Maishley]

Well she slightly cleaned the ears out. The infected one probably needed more attention. But then she put alot of wonder dust in it.

[groominglady]

Originally Posted by Maishley

Can she use hydrogen peroxide and cotton balls to clean the ears?

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) reacts with proteins to create oxygen and water - that's the foaming you get. I wouldn't recommend it for that reason.

Dogs' ear canals form a "L" shape in their skulls - you can't puncture an eardrum with a foreign object, but it does trap liquids next to the eardrum. (It also makes retrieval of a foxtail almost impossible without surgery once it passes out of sight, for this reason.

[groominglady]

Originally Posted by Maishley

Well she slightly cleaned the ears out. The infected one probably needed more attention. But then she put alot of wonder dust in it.

Wonder Dust is for horse wounds, not for ears. That charcoal they put in it can't be good for an inflamed ear, and the dust is coarse, abrasive and hard to remove. I really don't like it for horse wounds, either. Ear powder is specifically formulated for the care of pets' ears.

Please tell your friend to go to the vet - she's not doing herself or her dog any favors.

[Maishley]

ugh.

The dog has some other medical problem. She mentioned putting the dog to sleep here in the house, doing it herself - not because of the ears. She is 14-15 years old. The LL has no money. I used to be able to run a small account at my vet in Citrus Heights, but they don't allow that anymore.

I would have taken the dog there to let them euthanize her. Going to call them tomorrow though to see what it will cost.

Ugh and double ugh.

[Maishley]

Originally Posted by groominglady

Wonder Dust is for horse wounds, not for ears. That charcoal they put in it can't be good for an inflamed ear, and the dust is coarse, abrasive and hard to remove. I really don't like it for horse wounds, either. Ear powder is specifically formulated for the care of pets' ears.

Please tell your friend to go to the vet - she's not doing herself or her dog any favors.

I agree with you 1,000 percent. She found some eye wash. And thinks tomorrow she will use that.