Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 6/24/2005

Question
We have an English Mastiff, who is now 4 years old. Within the last year he has been having back to back yeast infections in his ears. We only bathe him about once a month and otherwise he has no contact with water in his ears. We have tried steroids and Malotic, the Vet has also put him under and cleaned his ears. The infection comes back every time. Is there something our Vet may be missing? Our boy is miserable. Thank-You   Theresa Hegel

Answer
Yeast infections are almost always associated with allergies.  If the steroids had no effect, then it could be a reaction to something in the food,or a low thyroid hormone level. I use a product called Malacetic Otic(www.dermapet.com)and I have had very good response to keeping the yeasts under control.