Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 11/13/2005

Question
Dear Dr. Gotthelf, Buster, a blind Beagle-Hound mix has ear mites. I clean his ears once a week, at the end of a week he is shaking his head and scraping his ears against the ground and walls in the house. I received instructions from two Vets. One said clean and flush with R-7M, the other said clean and flush with alchohol and hydrogen peroxide 50/50. So I alternate every other week. I feel very badly for his irritation. Is there an alternative to what I am doing ? Is there a permanent solution ? I especially appreciate you giving your time pro bono, as I have been with "allexperts" for 5 years in the Fine Art category.
Cordially,
Dan Hynes  

Answer
If a vet has not examined the ears to be sure that it is ear mites, then have that done.  Mites are very rare in older dogs, but ear infections are common.  If the dog truly has ear mites, they are very easy to treat with ivermectin.  Ask your vet about that.