This week, Dr. Manley addresses a reader's concern about her dog's ear infection.

This week's question:
Dr. Manley,

My vet said my dog has a moist ear (ear infection). The drops I was given do not seem to be working. There is a bloody discharge coming from her ear. Can I use alcohol swabs to help dry out the ear? Or maybe peroxide to clean the ear?

Thanks,
Dee Dee

Dr. Manley's Reply:

Hi Dee Dee,

Alcohol can be very painful in an ear canal that is ulcerated or contains open sores. Peroxide does not effectively kill bacteria but its foaming effect can dislodge debris. Do not use cotton swabs or any other object to clean the ear canal. The lining of the canal is very delicate and even cotton is too abrasive. Ask your veterinarian for an ear cleaning drying agent. Let the cleaning solution dissolve the wax and discharge. Most of these products do not need to be rinsed from the ear.

Ear infections are secondary to a primary disease (usually a skin condition) that results in decreased resistance to infection, or increased heat and humidity in the ear canal (favorable environment for bacterial and yeast growth). The primary cause must be diagnosed to more successfully control the ear infections. Examples of diseases that result in ear infections are allergies, hormonal imbalances, or parasites.

There are 3 basic steps your vet will take in treating an acute infection. The first step is examination of the ear canal and sample collection. A swab from the ear canal should always be examined to determine if you are dealing with ear mites, a yeast infection, a bacterial infection, or a combination. You cannot select the correct medications without this information. Second, the ear should be cleaned by your veterinarian. Your doctor has cleaners and equipment to safely and more efficiently remove excess wax hair and exudates from the ear canal. If this material is not removed the medication will not penetrate; it will act as a nidus for re-infection. It causes pain, and it might obscure foreign bodies or lesions in the ear canal. Last, a plan must be formulated to diagnose the primary cause, and formulate a maintenance plan. Most ear problems will return because the primary disease cannot be cured or the infection has permanently damaged the canal. The goal is to control the problem.

Thanks for the question....Dr. Manley

Dr. Cleveland Manley, Jr. is one of the wonderful veterinarians at VCA Pet Doctor in Richardson, TX. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University - College of Veterinary Medicine.