Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/8/2009

Question
My pom's ears have always been fine, but last Sunday, when his ears are in relax condition, his left ear appears lower (about eye level) while the other ear is more or less in upright position.  Took him to the vet, no infection or wound is found, and the ear drum is intact.  Put him on Antibiotic ear drop for 3 days now (2-3 times a day).  He shakes his head and scratches his ear every time the medication is squeezed into his ear, so I use tissue to absorb excessive fluid.  I am suspecting he might be suffering from something else other than ear infection.  Please kindly advise what other conditions I should watch out for, and  Thanks in advance for your help.

Answer
This could be a problem with the muscles on the head.  Has there been any loss of tissue where the ear attaches.  There is a disease called masticatory myositis that will do that.  Ask your vet to check to see if the muscles on the skull under the affected ear are normal.