Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 2/27/2008

Question
i have a 2 year old lab cross that is pregnant, 5 weeks at the moment. she has started with very irritated ear pinna both ears . there are raised lumps on the underside of her ears and a few raised lumps on the top of her head . it appears to be very ichy. can this condition be linked to hormonal changes due to her being pregnant, hormonal  and possible changes in the secreations of scabacious oils. our vet has not seen a condition like it and although the skin seems to be pustulated in appearance the lumps are not puss filled or bilster like any ideas a sto the cause of her irritation. nothing elkse has changed in her routine only the fact that she is pregnant she has bee checed for ear mites and so on ear canal is clear and not infected

Answer
Thius does not sound like any common malady.  The pinna is swollen, but there is no infection in the ears.  That could just be an allergic reaction to something.  Your vet can do a needle aspirate or a biopsy of these areas.   Being pregnant limits the things that can be used to treat her.  Antihistamines may be the best bet for now.