Ear Problems

[Rick]

After fighting an ear infection for months in my female germen shepherd the vet took a culture and sent it out. I then got the bad news. My dog has Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, Staphylococcus, and Beta Hemolytic Strep Non Group A or B. Any information on these or the cause of these would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[k9Karen]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a water-borne organism found in the environment. It is extremely resistant to most antibiotics. Staphylococcus is a normal skin organism in almost all mammals, including humans, and under the right (or should I say wrong) conditions, can cause infections. Some species are resistant to many antibiotics. You don't mention which species, so I can't give you much more info. The Strep could be normal flora, or not, without a more specific identification, it's difficult to know. Of the 3, it should be the easiest to cure. Most streptococci, especially the beta-hemolytic strep have not developed significant antibiotic resistance.

What does your vet recommend, and what treatment has already been tried?