Penny and her reoccuring ear infections

[sues]

My bassett Penny has reoccuring a reoccuring ear infection. She has been to the vet continously in the last 2-3 months. The have tried several anti biotics but just when the course is over she starts all over again. This time is was month of pills, twice a day(which she hates to take) and the ear is still brown, wet and smells odd. She rubs her head on everything and seems to find no relief. I am at my whits end, any suggestions? Has anyone tried the "blue cure" genetian violet, alchol and boric acid mix? I am willing to try anything, she goes back to the vets again this morning.
Sue

[davet]

here is a solution that i got very good results with but it an old old formula and may not even be available but can be made up very easily at a drug store..ask your vet about it and he/she will probably say no but it worked for me.
and here ar others,, again some old fashion but effectivce

Ear treatment

1 part white vinegar
1 part rubbing alcohol
3 parts water

Purple solution


Blue Powder

INGREDIENTS:
16 Oz. Isopropyl Alcohol
4 Tablespoons Boric Acid Powder
16 Drops Gentian Violet Solution 1%
Mix together in alcohol bottle and shake well.
You will also need to shake solution every time you use it to disperse the Boric Acid Powder. Purchase the "Clairol" type plastic bottle to dispense solution to affected ears.
TREATMENT:
Evaluate condition of ears before treating and if very inflamed and sore:
do not attempt to pull hair or clean out ear at all. Just flush and then wait until inflammation has subsided, which will be about two days.
Warm the solution and shake the bottle each time before using.
Flood the ear with solution (gently squirt bottle).
Massage gently to the count of 60, wipe with a tissue.
On first treatment: flood the ear twice, wipe with a tissue, and leave alone without massage.
The dog will shake out the excess, which can be wiped with a tissue,
Note: the Gentian Violet does stain fabrics.
The SCHEDULE of treatment is as follows:
Treat 2x per day for the first week to two weeks, depending upon severity of ears.
After the 2nd or 3rd day you can clean out the ear with a Q-tip or cotton balls.
Caution: when using a Q-tip, only insert it as far into the ear canal as you can actually see. Use care to prevent the gunk from falling down into the ear canal.
Treat 1x per day for the next 1-2 weeks.
Treat 1x per month (or even less frequently, depending on the dog).

[davet]

whoops forgot my formula::


Tannisol

5% tannic acid
5% salsylic acid
5% boric acid

qs alcohol

[sue]

Davet in the last one what is qs alchol? Thanks for your replies

[k9Karen]

Davet in the last one what is qs alchol? Thanks for your replies

'qs' is a chemistry term that means 'quantity sufficient' to fill the container. We've been through this before, and he doesn't remember how big the container was. Maybe he'll come through this time

[davet]

i used to make irt up in the gallons but i think that is a little more than you would use...but if your vet approves, i think it is made commercially under the name of Tannisol or your p[harmacist could make you up 4 to 6 ounces....to use once daily

[k9Karen]

Just wondering if you had tried anything and if it had worked?

If not, I wanted to let you know what I use with Allie. I use a product called Zymox. It is a 'natural' product (contains natural milk enzymes and other chemicals with antimicrobial properties). I am not a big fan of so-called 'natural' products, and tend to be skeptical of their claims, but this one works. I tried several expensive treatments my vet prescribed, and they only worked while they were being used. As soon as the Rx was gone, the infection came back. Allie has a problem with recurring yeast infections (Malassezia pachydermatis), but Zymox isn't particular about the type of organism. Allie used to have a problem in both ears, but her right ear has been completely clear for at least two years. We still have to fight the problem in the left ear, but the Zymox will clear it up for a few months. I just had to re-order the product because she was starting to scratch at the ear again (I think it had been clear for about 6 months). I use the Zymox ear wash, and both the Zymox Otic with hydrocortisone and without. I use the ear wash about every three days to clean the ear, and the Zymox otic with hydrocortisone when her ear is inflamed. After the inflammation has subsided, I use the product without the hydrocortisone until it is completely clear. Since hers is a yeast infection, it can take up to one month to completely clear. I must add, however, that I am a Microbiologist, and can culture her ear to make sure it is clear of the yeast.

If nothing else works, you may want to give the Zymox a try. I order it from healthypets.com, but it's available on other sites, and your vet may also carry it.

[Nat-O]

You should ask your vet about the possibility of your dog having a food allergy. For some strange reason, allergies to proteins in the dog's diet can cause recurrent ear infections. It is kind of difficult to solve if it is a food allergy, becuase you need to put the dog on a novel protein diet and discontinue any treats and even beef based heart worm pills for about 3-4 months to see if it stops, but it might be something to consider.

[k9Karen]

You should ask your vet about the possibility of your dog having a food allergy. For some strange reason, allergies to proteins in the dog's diet can cause recurrent ear infections. It is kind of difficult to solve if it is a food allergy, becuase you need to put the dog on a novel protein diet and discontinue any treats and even beef based heart worm pills for about 3-4 months to see if it stops, but it might be something to consider.

No signs of allergy in Allie's case - it's just the one ear. She was born deaf, and may have an abnormal ear to start with. Her coat and skin are healthy. I use a chicken-based food, which hasn't caused her any problems.