Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 9/1/2005

Question
Hello,
My two year old German Sheppherd is having some sort of allergic reaction, or atleast this seems to be what it is.  It is the second time this has happend, and the vet last time put her on corticosteriods to control inflammation.  This time, her black nose is peeling off and underneath is a pink colour.  I have began giving her the drops and pills again that I had left over.  She is constantly itching her ears.  Just wondering if you have seen this before, agree that it is a reaction,  and can suggest anything to do?

Thanks,
Worried Pet Owner

Answer
Whenever a black nose turns pink, I tend to thoink of an autoimmune disease.  Ask your vet if that's possible,  As far as the ears, any allergic type of reaction can cause ear problems. The treatment of the ear is based on what type of infection is in the ears and what type of disease allows the bacterial or yeast infection.