Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 1/23/2007

Question
My malti-poo has something on his ear. It looks like if he scratched alot and has a small piece that looks like if he was bleeding. He's not bleeding, it looks like dry blood. It looks like when you your skin opened a little and you can see on the inside. It's not a lot. I'm scared it can get infected. Also it's very itchy to him he tries to scratch and he starts crying when he does scratch. What can I put on it? Is it something I should worry about? It's not inside, but it's on the inner part of the ear. Thank You.

Answer
If he scratched the ear and cause an abrasion or an ulcer, you can put any type of antibiotic ointment on it.  If there is a reason for him itching, like an ear infection or a foreign body stuck in the ear, then the ears may need to be checked by your vet.