Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 8/26/2005

Question
My golden retriever keeps having ear problems, and was recently operated on for a hematoma.  A friend told me about a mixture of rubbing alcohol, gentron violet, and boric acid powder I should mix together and use to treat his ears.  Ever heard of this, and what do you recommend.

Answer
Golden retrievers are so prone to allergies, that it is almost a given that when they have ear problems, it is allergic.  The treatment of the ear is dependent on what type of infection is present inthe ear.  Your vet can do a cytology to tell you.  Then you can treat specifically based on which types of organisms are present.  I would be careful about using alcohol in the ear especially if there is any ulceration, which you cannot always see.