Red ear -- infection?

[Annetteb]

Today as I was brushing Kona I noticed that one of her ears is very red underneath. I can tell that it bothers her when we look at it. She hasn't been shaking her head more than usual and otherwise seems normal. I will get her into the vet tomorrow, but in the meantime wonder if others have seen this and if there is something that I can do to help her in the meantime.

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

It could be an ear infection. You can clean it with a mixture of 3/4 cup rubbing alcohol and 1/4 cup white vinegar. If it does not improve, you should have the vet look at it.

 

[Pipelineozzy]

If you are taking her to the vet, don't clean it They will want to take a smear on it to see which ear treatment to use, and if you have cleaned it, they will have trouble getting an accurate analysis of the pathogens.

 

[Annetteb]

Thanks for letting me know... I will be calling the vet first thing in the morning.

 

[Tula]

Once the infection ( if it is an infection) is cleared, you might try cleaning regularly with the vinegar / rubbing alcohol mixture. We use a similar mixture ( also has iodine and boric acid) in it.....with remarkable results for our dogs. You must not use it with an infected ear though. Good luck Kim

 

[dumainedogs]

In addition to head shaking.. the red ear has been a telltale both times Obie's gotten an ear infection.

 

[TerriW]

It could be an ear infection. You can clean it with a mixture of 3/4 cup rubbing alcohol and 1/4 cup white vinegar. If it does not improve, you should have the vet look at it.

Do you use this to wipe the ear down, inside? Ben has recurring problems with his ears getting dirty. Is this a good remedy, or are commercial products better for cleaning?

 

[Ocean's Edge]

I just bought a bottle of the commercial stuff - reading the ingredients list, it reads like... Listerine.

Go fig

 

[DAWNMERIE]

How's Kona's ear today?

 

[Sound Bay Newfs]

Do you use this to wipe the ear down, inside? Ben has recurring problems with his ears getting dirty. Is this a good remedy, or are commercial products better for cleaning?

You can clean the whole ear with this. Years ago my vet gave me this suggestion and I have used it for years.

 

[Annetteb]

Good news for Kona. We just got back from the vet. She has a bad rash on her under ear. No inflamation or issues in the ear canal. I am very relieved.... We have a topical medication to use for a week.

 

[BoundlessNewfs]

That's good news!