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Expert: - 4/7/2011


Question

x ray
I have been taking my dog to the vet for since the beginning of the year for ear infection and still do not have any answers or resolve.  So far he has been on super antibiotic shots, allergy shots and allergy meds, cephalex, three different types of ear ointments, tresderm drops, several anti inflams until the vet gave him an x ray the end of March. Looking through the otoscope showed his ears to be fine except for a couple of tint sores. The x ray showed some sort of growth we then tried another anti inflammatory and took another x ray to find no progression whatsoever. He was put on cipro pending results from an area specialist opinion of his x rays. I received the results today, still no answers.  He will tilt his head and cry a couple of times a day, he is eating fine, but will not chew anything hard.  I am desperate for an answer to bring my dog some relief before he has permanent damage.  Please advise

Answer
This x-ray is of no value in evaluating the ears.  It is the wrong view.  What is needed is an open mouth rostro-dorsal view.

Can you have him evaluated by a dermatologist or a vet that specializes in skin and ear diseases?

Antibiotic shots have no use in ear disease, since the ear has such a poor blood supply.  There is no way for the antibiotics to magically leave the skin to get into the ear canal.  If there is a bacterial infection, then the antibiotics need to be used topically.  If there is a middle ear disease, the eardrum may need to be punctured and the middle ear cleaned out.  Medication can be put directly into the middle ear through this myringotomy incision.  IF there is a growth, it may need removal through a surgical procedure.
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentThank you! Seems like he may of have a calcification issue in his ear canal is there any way to correct that?


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Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf

Expertise

Dermatology and ear diseases of dogs and cats

Experience

I am the author of "Small Animal Ear Diseases; An Illustrated Guide" published by W.B. Saunders. I have over 25 years of clinical experience with a special interest in dermatologic conditions and ear diseases.

Organizations
American Academy of Veterinary Dermatology

Publications
Veterinary Forum
Veterinary Medicine
Waltham Focus

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