Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 6/4/2007

Question
My chocolate lab's exterior ear is swollen and she also fights yeast infections in her ear.  Is surgery the only way to reduce the swelling in her ear?  Should it be drained or would medication help?  Her ear sticks out at a 90 degree angle.  Please help.  Thank you.

Answer
IF there is a pocket of fluid or blood inthe ear flap, that needs to be surgically fixed (aural hematoma). If there is bony change in the ear canal that is causing the ear to stick out, that also requires surgery.  Many labs with yeast infections have allergies, so talk to your vet about treatment for allergies.