Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 10/26/2008

Question
Hi, I have a 10 weeks old Shih Tzu. I took her to the vet and I was told that she has a ear yeast infection. I want like to know what do I need to do to cure the infection. The vet said there's a possibility that she has allegy. How do I go about to find out what she is allegic to? Also is it ok to ask the vet the prescription for all necessary medication and purchase it some where else? I bought an ointment from them before and found out that they charge twice as much if I was to purchase it online.

Answer
In young puppies with yeasty ears, they are often allergic to their food.  All you have to do is to change the protein source from what the puppy is eating now to a different food that does not contain those same ingredients.  The medication for yeast is very inexpensive.  We use an ear cleaner called MALACETIC daily for 10-14 days.  SOme vets like to use an eardrop called MICONAZOLE, which is also very inexpensive.