Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 1/17/2009

Question
I have a one year old boxer.  He split open the edge of both ears back in August 2008.  His ears will not heal.  Every time they start to heal, he shakes and splits them open again.  I have tried protecting them by covering them with bandages and I even tried a cone around his head.  I have been to our Vet for this, and he suggested doing a small surgery to cut back his ears and hopefully they will heal. However, I don't see how this would solve the problem since he shakes so often.  Is there anyway to help his ears heal or to teach him not to shake?

Answer
He is shaking his head from allergic disease or from pain.  Ask your vet to put the dog on steroids for a couple of weeks to see if the itching will stop.  If not, then a pain reliever like tramadol may be needed.  Surgery on the ear tip may be needed to trim out the old scar tissue.