Dog shaking head.

Dr. Marie replied:

Sorry to hear that Memphis is not doing well. While dogs of any age can get ear mites they are not common in an adult dog. By far, the most common problem that would cause these symptoms is either a bacterial infection or a yeast infection or a combination of the two. However, most bacterial or yeast infections should be able to be treated with Mometamax.

There are a few possible reasons for an ear infection to not clear up with medication. It is possible that we are dealing with a resistant infection. Unfortunately the only way to know this is to have your vet do a test called a culture where they send a swab to the lab to find out exactly what type of bacteria is growing in there and exactly which medication would be best to give.

It is also possible that Memphis has underlying allergies. These don't necessarily need to be food allergies. Many dogs are allergic to things in the environment such as grass or dust or pollen. You may want to ask your vet if they will prescribe a small dose of a steroid which will help greatly with allergies.

Was your vet able to look deep down inside the ear? Although uncommon, it is possible that there is something stuck in there. Additionally, it is possible that there is a ruptured ear drum. If this is the case then the Mometamax could actually be a little harmful.

It it was a really chronic infection it is possible that the drug just needs a little more time to be effective though.

I wish I had an inexpensive solution for you, but I have found that ear problems can take a lot of time and money to get them totally cleared up. If things are not 100% improved after the drugs are done he will need to go back and see the vet again.

I hope everything is ok!

Dr. Marie.

---This question was asked in our Ask A Vet For Free section.---


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