Expert: Renee Cox - 3/31/2008

Question
Hi Renee,

I have a question in regards to my 10 mos. Male Boxer's ears.  His ears have just recently developed a very rough and hard feeling at the very tip of each ear (ears have not been cropped) I would estimate that the roughness is approx. 1/4"  from the very tip. You really can't notice it by looking but by feel only.  He has been to the Vets and he seems to think it's from shaking his head and he has a minor injury. He also felt that it would eventually go away.  I don't particularly like to 2nd guess the Vet but I thought I would ask you and get a another opinion, just in case you have come across this in the past.  

Thanks for help,

Gary  

Answer
HI Gary. Did the vet check him for ear mites? I've seen dogs with what you're describing when they have ear mites. Head shaking is one sign of ear mites. If he has an injury, it can also cause this. Unless he has injured both ears, I'd have him checked for ear mites. And trust me, it's perfectly ok to second guess the vet if you're not sure if he found the right diagnosis.:-)