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Dog Ear Infection Cures
Dog ear infections
are all too common. Dog ear infection cures are also quite common
but most must be administered by a veterinarian.
First the dog needs a complete exam. An exam includes looking
closely at the rest of the body, especially for skin lesions, signs
of allergies such as paw licking, lymph nodes etc. and of course a
magnified look at the ear canal looking for foreign objects (like
cotton balls or ticks), growths and tufts of hair that can irritate
and an inspection of the ear drum. The veterinarian will also do a
microscopic smear of the ear wax. With this simple smear the vet can
see ear mites and pus. Yeast infections can also be identified by
fixing and staining the sample.
The dog ear infection cures for the most common dog ear infections
are:
Ear Mites: Ivermectin works well but must be carefully diluted.
Until recently when a product became available for dogs, vets had to
dilute Ivermectin from cattle preparations.
Simple Ear Infection: The ear is cleaned and the dog is sent home
where its owner will use a soothing ear cleaner, possibly containing
a topical steroid and antibiotic a couple of times daily.
Chronic Ear Infection: This one is a little harder to treat and the
treatment is ongoing. Cleaning and treatment will often be
administered on alternate days. The vet will usually start treatment
by using and injectable antibiotic followed by an oral antibiotic
that will be administered by the owner 2 or 3 times a day. The vet
will have the owner clean the ear as needed with cleaners he will
supply or recommend. In addition to the relief that the cleaners and
ointments provide for inflammation, irritation, and itching, the
veterinarian may also prescribe prednisone and benadryl for three to
ten days. He may also give the dog something to control pain.
Rechecks are often needed.
Yeast Infection: The veterinarian will provide treatment in his
office and then have the owner follow up with ear washes. Sometimes
flushing the ear with diluted, distilled vinegar is enough to
control yeast problems...but remember that yeast is usually not the
sole problem.
Only a veterinarian can provide effective dog ear infection cures.
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