Expert: Jana Connell RVT, CVT - 1/1/2010

Question
I have a 1 year old labradoodle that has a ruptured ear drum and a deep inner infection. This has been very costly! We've been treating her going on the last 3 months with Baytril, prednisone, tremidol. She's had her ears flushed twice and we are giving her one more month or will sadly have to put her down.  We've spent close to 3,000.00 trying to get this taken care of.  There have been 3 vets at the vet office who have over 40 years experience combined and have never seen an ear infection this severe. They are known for being good knowledgeable vets but, are honest in saying they don't know what to do.  This last week when they flushed her ears, they saw no improvement in her eardrum healing. We had taken her off the meds for about a month and she was doing great but then over Christmas relapsed fast so she is back on meds after having her ears flushed again. Her symptoms prior to the medications is equilibrium is off, fluttering eyes, won't eat, head tilt, in pain, trembling etc.  She is slowly getting better with the meds but, I can't afford 500.00 a month in just medications. The one month supply/dosage of Baytril pills was 275.00 alone! We've also done 2 cultures on her.  We've had her on Fromm dog food and recently switched to a no grain Innova.  I am desperate and am wondering what your thoughts are on this?  Is there anything you recommend or could refer me to.  My vets don't know what to do without sending me to a specialist for a MRI of which I cannot afford to do.  Thank-You, Karen

Answer
I am not a vet Karen but I can tell you that a dog this young shouldn't have a problem this severe unless there is something else going on deep inside, such as a tumor. How did this infection come on? Suddenly, slowly over several months?

Cultures are good to identify susceptible bacteria, but that is about all. What about having an ultrasound done? They are more cost effective of an xray but even one of those might tell you what is deep down in there.

You might want to investigate a different outlet for the Baytril. I know it is expensive but not it shouldn't be that much. With a prescription you can get it in Canada for half the price.

I would also try a different medication at this point. There must be a secondary antibiotic to help at this point. I would even give her another one on top of Baytril.

This is a very sad story indeed and I do hope you can get some resolution with it. You might want to repost this to Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf, who does ears in dogs. He is in here under Ask the veterinarian. As a vet tech I can only give you suggestions.

I am truly sorry to hear about your dog and I hope you can find some relief for her before time runs out.

That being said, you have done all you are able to. Always know that the best gift we give our pets is the gift of ending suffering.

My prayers will be with you and your sweet girl. Please let me know the outcome of this.