Expert: Charlotte Sherrell, DVM - 8/7/2008

Question
Hi,  I'm looking for advice b/c at this point, I just spent over $4K on my dog to have her bladder repaired, due to an injury.  I noticed lately she is scratching at her right ear & tilting her head that way.  I am unable to clean her ears myself, she is about 78 lbs.& unable to hold her down alone.  So, I took her to the vet my mother brings her dogs to & they cleaned her ears.  I usually have this done once every 6 mos.  This time, she is still scratching, tilting head, not good appetite & shakes her head side to side.  I have a loan from the $4K vet bill and I still owe my personal vet $20 more.  Since this seems to be a common problem w/labs, and had her ears cleaned, I just want my doctor to prescribe a antibotic for her.  She does not need to be seen again.  I cannot afford to take her in.  What is the best HUMAN antibotic you can think of that might help clear up her ear infection.  I have the presc. for the cleaning of the ear & the Animax ointment, but that has not helped, including having the vet tech clean ear.  Vet tech said one of her ears has an infection.  Today, I have her a "benadryl tablet", followed by 1/2 of 500mg Cipro tablet.  Is it okay that I give her 1/2 of 500 mg. Cipro?  She weights approx. 78 lbs.  It's about time I receive some "free" advice, as I live alone & had to 2nd mortgage my home for her 1st surgery.  Please help me.

Answer
Vicki -

Sorry you have had such expensive problems with your dog.  Unfortunately, I cannot prescribe anything for her; I do not have a doctor-patient relationship with your dog.  If her veterinarian wants you to bring her in, then you should take her in to be examined.  I understand that you have spent an awful lot of money to have your dog taken of, but she should be seen before meds are prescribed.

Do have her seen by a veterinary professional.  If she continues to shake her head, the blood vessels in her ear pinnae may break causing an ear hematoma.  Those  cost a lot to be repaired, too. Have them looked at by a professional.

Best Regards,

Charlotte Sherrell, DVM