Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 10/24/2009

Question
My miniature schnauzer has developed thickening of the tips of the ear flaps and these have become dark, crusty, lumpy and hairless.  The ear tips have become disfigured in shape around the edges.   Various creams have proved unsuccessful and most recently the lesions  on one ear have opened up to become a wound. This is proving very difficult to heal.  The dog is 10 years old.  He has recently started a supplement of Omega 3 & 6 and EFA.  A seemingly unrelated problem has recently arisen where his claws have been breaking.  My other miniature schnauzer(aged 11 years) who is a first cousin of this dog, has similar ear and claw problems but to a much lesser degree.   Pathology tests on the dogs' ears and claws have not shed any light on the cause/s. I don't know if the two problems are related or have a similar underlying cause.  Can you please tell me what you think could be the cause of the ear problem and suggest possible treatment.  Thank you for taking the time to consider my question.

Answer
This sounds like a vasculitis, which is an inflammation of the tiny blood vessels at the tips of the ear and the end of the toes, where there is not much blood circulation. A drug called Pentoxifylline may help relieve the inflammation.   Were there biopsies of your dog's ear tip and claw?  If the vet does these biopsies, the pathologist can tell if they are the same disease causing these lesions.