Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 7/18/2006

Question
I have a 7 year old male golden retriever.  He has allergies and is always itching and rubbing his face on the carpet.  He had a hematoma in his ear that I got surgically fixed.  About 2 weeks later, it came back.  My vet put him under again and fixed it by cauterizing the vessels.  Now, 3 weeks later, it's back again.  I was wondering if there is something else I should be doing, and if it's ok to put him under again.  I think this seems unhealthy.  Also, what should I do for his constant itching and licking.  My vet sometimes gives him steroids, but I don't want him to be on them all the time.  Anything would help.  I hate to see him so miserable.

Thanks,
Amy and Jack the dog.

Answer
If the hematoma was fixed properly it should not come back.  Most hematomas are caused by the dog shaking its head from an ear infection.  THis can be in the external ear or in the middle ear on either ear.  Have your vet do a thorough ear exam.

As far as the allergies, low dose steroids used to control the itching and inflammation do not cause many problems. There is amedicine called ATOPICA that does not have the same type of side effects as steroids.

If you are not using an Omega3 fatty acid dietary supplement, now is a good time to start it.  THese fats go to the skin and prevent the inflammation associated with allergies.

If you want to help the dog for the next several years, have him allergy tested and immunized against the allergens to which he is sensitive.  THat really helps many dogs.  Understand that tis process takes 9 months to a year to have any effect, so you are protecting the dog for the future.  THat way the dog's skin does not overreact to allergens.