Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 3/5/2006

Question
My 14 1/2 year old lab mix (75lbs) had an eardrum burst. His vet said it was the result of an infection, which unfortunately could have been avoided if I had cleaned his ears better/ more regularly. (oooooohhh, the guilt :(     ) I understand I need to go deeper in than I have been, but am terrified of hurting him or worse yet damaging the drums! How far in can/ should I go without fear?

Answer
Unfortunately, with the eardrum ruptured, your veterinarian will need to go behind the eardrum and flush out the tympanic bulla.  That is not something you can do at home.  Once the eardrum has healed then you can maintain the external ear canal with ear cleaning twice a week.