Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 1/8/2007

Question
Dr. Gotthelf,

Thank you for your time.  My dog has been itching in one of his ears for a few weeks.  I put in some drops that are for ear mites and earwax build up.  His ear looks clean now but the itching continues.  His ear wax is a dark brown like mud. Is this a normal color and what are the symptoms of an ear infection?  He is eating good.  Thank you.
Tanya

Answer
If he has an infection, then the discharge may be brown.  You need to have your vet check to make sure that this was ear mites and not a bacterial or yeast infection.  The dog's ear really responds to other skin diseases like allergies and hormonal problems that will make the ears itch and secrete wax.