Terrible Ear Infection, Maybe Leather Ear? Need Help!! - Page 2 - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Ashlea979 · 07-15-2014, 04:52 AM

I've tried to download photos & link. It's not working for me. Here's the link to my Dropbox that has pictures of his ears & nose! The grass was wet outside so he looks a little scruffy!

https://www.dropbox.com/sc/6dufy005j...Y1BpuvBO9KxTUa

megansmomma · 07-15-2014, 07:19 AM

Little by little more pieces to this issue are coming together. I have several more questions for you regarding Bear.

Has he ever been under anesthesia before?
Is he neutered and any retained teeth removed?
What is the vet saying about his periodontal disease? Retained puppy teeth?
Is he neutered? I'm assuming that he is not do to you being worried about anesthesia.

The fact that you say you are worried about anesthesia and his small size is very incorrect. Even with slightly elevated enzymes he can be anesthetized for routine care such as a dental.

I had a foster that had HORRIBLE ears when I first brought him home. His ears were so inflamed with infection that they were totally swollen shut and had gunk running out of them. He is the yorkie that I mentioned about that had the leather ear that I treated eventually with Lotrimin. But that was not until after the infection in his mouth was cleared and a dental was done to remove infected teeth. When I took him to my vet there were several things that were done to help him. He was put on an antibiotic for the infection in his ears, his teeth and also respiratory infection. I was told it was all related to his TEETH!

What exactly is the vet saying about him needing a dental? Does he have retained teeth that might be causing periodontal disease? You need to much more aggressive with treatment is you truly want to help him and that begins with taking care of his teeth. I believe the other issues will fall into place. Truman (my foster) was placed on a longer term antibiotic prior to and after the dental was done and he continued to improve. But his teeth were related to all his other issues including his balance because the infection in his teeth had spread to other areas of his body including his ears and respiratory tract.

My suggestion is you make an appointment and start with his teeth. They need to be cleaned and all diseased teeth need to be removed including any retained puppy teeth. If he's not neutered you should also take care of that at the same time. After any decayed teeth are removed possibly an antibiotic needs to be given again. Then you can work on the ears. But I am not a vet just a YT member with some experience with his issues.

I'm looking at your pictures and it looks like the hair on his legs is very thin. Is he chewing his paws too? This could be allergies which could also be related to his ear issues. I would look at his food and try something like limited ingredient or even Royal Canin hydrolyzed RX food might help.

Lisa and Pic · 07-15-2014, 09:09 AM

Hope you will see a vet dermatologist too. I'm no health expert, but Piccolo was lethargic and had ear stuff going on 7 years ago and it was due to something that could be tested with skin scrapes and a skin biopsy. My regular vet could not figure it out. Not saying it is that though.

Good luck and will keep you both in my thoughts.

Ashlea979 · 07-15-2014, 01:25 PM

He's never been under anesthesia. The very first vet that I took him to after I got him (9.5 months) said it wasn't safe for him to go under because there was a good possibility he could die! So, it's scared me very much to ever have that done!

-He hasn't been neutered
-He has one retained puppy tooth
- the vet only talked to me a grand total of 30 seconds about his teeth. So, not much was said! I didn't think much of it because he didn't seem concerned & that it was very normal.
- not chewing his paws very often, but does have allergies!

The two vets said he's never seen anything like Bear's ears

I'm going to STOP the Gentizol & try Lotrimin soon. Still trying to look into a specialist & dermatologist.

Ashlea979 · 07-15-2014, 01:26 PM

I love the name piccolo @lisa and pic!

megansmomma · 07-15-2014, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashlea979

He's never been under anesthesia. The very first vet that I took him to after I got him (9.5 months) said it wasn't safe for him to go under because there was a good possibility he could die! So, it's scared me very much to ever have that done!

-He hasn't been neutered
-He has one retained puppy tooth
- the vet only talked to me a grand total of 30 seconds about his teeth. So, not much was said! I didn't think much of it because he didn't seem concerned & that it was very normal.
- not chewing his paws very often, but does have allergies!

The two vets said he's never seen anything like Bear's ears

I'm going to STOP the Gentizol & try Lotrimin soon. Still trying to look into a specialist & dermatologist.

A vet telling you that he's going to die from anesthesia needs a smack in his head

Honestly, it's a good thing that you changed vets.

I'm sure that part of his issue is his teeth and especially is he has retained puppy teeth. You might only see one but there really is know what of truly knowing if there are others unless a dental is done.

There are plenty of smaller Yorkies on this forum that have been under anesthesia for both dentals and spay/neuters. My suggestion would be to start with the dental issues and also neuter. If your current vets are not capable of doing these basic procedures then it's time for a new vet!

Like I said previously, try changing his food too.

Ashlea979 · 07-15-2014, 02:50 PM

Haha! Yeah, it petrified us so that's our main reasoning for not putting him under anesthesia.

I do brush his teeth, but guilty for not brushing very often because he's a stinker when it comes to his teeth, ears, & feet! He doesn't like them to be touched! Any advice for brushing?

His belly is Sooooo sensitive (yorkies are so fragile!), but Ive had him on a Science Diet Toy Breed-light for about 2.5 years now. When I was trying to get him the best food, he was having allergic reactions to other food! This is the ONLY food he's ever done good with. I even gave him the regular Science Diet Toy breed & it made him have diarrhea!

He's very healthy but has a roller coaster of things happen to him! Atleast he's young, but I am trying my best to get all his issues under control! I love my little Bear! Thank y'all for your advice!

megansmomma · 07-15-2014, 02:58 PM

I work in the OR so anesthesia does not scare me like it does to some people. He's small but he really isn't that tiny. Mine will not allow me to brush so I have no tips for brushing teeth. But that baby tooth needs to go! Bogey just had a dental yesterday and I picked in up in a couple of hours. It was the 3rd time he was under general anesthesia and did well. He is a rescue and over a year old when I adopted him. He was just about 5 lbs and had to be neutered according to his adoption contract. At the same time he had a couple of puppy teeth removed. Before the dental was done his breath was HORRIBLE from the retained teeth. So I really do understand. Recently, he had an ear infection and also anal gland infection. The vet told me "ears and rears" mean allergies and suggested adding fiber and changing his diet to a limited ingredient. But my girl was on Royal Canin Hydrolized Protien so I just switched him to that instead. So I totally get the issues you are having and it's the reason that I'm pushing the dental and food change.

Ashlea979 · 07-15-2014, 03:24 PM

Haha! Yeah, it petrified us so that's our main reasoning for not putting him under anesthesia.

I do brush his teeth, but guilty for not brushing very often because he's a stinker when it comes to his teeth, ears, & feet! He doesn't like them to be touched! Any advice for brushing?

His belly is Sooooo sensitive (yorkies are so fragile!), but Ive had him on a Science Diet Toy Breed-light for about 2.5 years now. When I was trying to get him the best food, he was having allergic reactions to other food! This is the ONLY food he's ever done good with. I even gave him the regular Science Diet Toy breed & it made him have diarrhea!

He's very healthy but has a roller coaster of things happen to him! Atleast he's young, but I am trying my best to get all his issues under control! I love my little Bear! Thank y'all for your advice!

Ashlea979 · 07-15-2014, 03:32 PM

I think my phone his submit twice! Sorry for the double response!

Bear did have an anal infection about 8 months ago! He was on antibiotics!

His breath is TERRIBLE! I guess we are going have to prayerfully consider anesthesia! It's just having a bad experience with a vet that's make us hesitant & scared.

Thank you so much for your help! I feel like that his teeth is the culprit for everything else. His poor little ears look awful though! I feel so bad for him!

Ashlea979 · 07-15-2014, 03:32 PM

Hit* submit twice.

megansmomma · 07-15-2014, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ashlea979

I think my phone his submit twice! Sorry for the double response!

Bear did have an anal infection about 8 months ago! He was on antibiotics!

His breath is TERRIBLE! I guess we are going have to prayerfully consider anesthesia! It's just having a bad experience with a vet that's make us hesitant & scared.

Thank you so much for your help! I feel like that his teeth is the culprit for everything else. His poor little ears look awful though! I feel so bad for him!

Yes, I have a feeling we might have hit on something. Interesting about the anal gland infection. Like my vet said "ears and rears". Just keep us posted when you decide to go for the dental. I strongly encourage the neuter as well.

There is a thread about anesthesia. You should take a look at it. It might bring down some of your anxieties. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/die...esia-pets.html

OwnedByJezebel · 07-15-2014, 05:17 PM

I understand your worries, I worry when mine are under, too and mine have had normal results on blood tests. But look at it this way .... dogs with liver problems get dentals and other procedures done all the time. In fact, dogs with full-blown liver shunt go under anesthesia to have their liver shunt repaired. A competent vet can handle it. Just think how much better your pup will feel when it's all over, it will change so much for them.

nanahas3 · 07-15-2014, 09:35 PM

It is very worrisome to know they are going to be put under for care but they really do usually do well. Kyra has had her spay and dental and she is 3lbs on a good day after meals. It takes her a little bit to come out of it all when she gets home but she had done great.

Ashlea979 · 07-19-2014, 11:49 AM

Ok Ladies/Yorkie Lovers I still need your help!!

I have been washing Bear's ears with water & vinegar to see if that would help heal any and it has not! I have a referral for a Specialist/Dermatologist to see Bear, I'm just waiting for an opening in their schedule to fit him in ASAP.

So, in the meantime I've done a LOT of research! Do any of y'all know about Medicated Cushing's Disease? I'm thinking that his signs point to it.

When I first took Bear to the vet, it was because he was acting sick. They diagnosed it with a bacterial & yeast infection. They prescribed Gentizol (which is a topical corticosterioid). After a couple days, I noticed balding of his ears, & the next vet prescribed Predisone (which is an oral corticosteroid). He was using Gentizol in his ears for Yeast & Bacteria infection. Predisone was used because they said his immune system was low from allergies & he needed his immune system to be higher for him to heal his ear infection. Gentizol was used twice a day for 10 days (but kept being administered- as vet had to me to do- because his ears started peeling with his hair!), Predisone was taken 2 a day for 7 days and once a day for 3 days, & finished out the rest of the dosage every other day.

His ears only increased in peeling! They NEVER looked better, only got worse. But, ear infection was gone.

He seems like a totally different dog since then. He was just a sick dog from ear infection, & now is acting so weird. He's just not the same.

In my research, I've seen Cushing's Disease can be medically produced from the overuse of Cortisol. (Which Bear did have a lot of from Predisone & Gentizol).

His symptoms are:

lethargy
hair loss
insomnia
abnormal eating habits

I've also read that Medicated Cushing's Disease can be reversed. And, that it's NOT cushing's disease- just symptoms of it.

On Bear's Bloodwork the abnormal results were:
Low Cholesterol
Low EOS (said to be from stress)
High PCV (which could indicate kidney tumor from high levels of Cortisone)

Also, PCV read 60.4% which is high, but Manual test read 51? Not sure what that means!

Do any of you know about Medicated Cushing's disease? I'm going to take Bear on Monday to have him tested!

07-15-2014, 07:19 AM	#17
megansmomma Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: S. W. Suburbs of Chicago, IL Posts: 12,235	Little by little more pieces to this issue are coming together. I have several more questions for you regarding Bear. Has he ever been under anesthesia before? Is he neutered and any retained teeth removed? What is the vet saying about his periodontal disease? Retained puppy teeth? Is he neutered? I'm assuming that he is not do to you being worried about anesthesia. The fact that you say you are worried about anesthesia and his small size is very incorrect. Even with slightly elevated enzymes he can be anesthetized for routine care such as a dental. I had a foster that had HORRIBLE ears when I first brought him home. His ears were so inflamed with infection that they were totally swollen shut and had gunk running out of them. He is the yorkie that I mentioned about that had the leather ear that I treated eventually with Lotrimin. But that was not until after the infection in his mouth was cleared and a dental was done to remove infected teeth. When I took him to my vet there were several things that were done to help him. He was put on an antibiotic for the infection in his ears, his teeth and also respiratory infection. I was told it was all related to his TEETH! What exactly is the vet saying about him needing a dental? Does he have retained teeth that might be causing periodontal disease? You need to much more aggressive with treatment is you truly want to help him and that begins with taking care of his teeth. I believe the other issues will fall into place. Truman (my foster) was placed on a longer term antibiotic prior to and after the dental was done and he continued to improve. But his teeth were related to all his other issues including his balance because the infection in his teeth had spread to other areas of his body including his ears and respiratory tract. My suggestion is you make an appointment and start with his teeth. They need to be cleaned and all diseased teeth need to be removed including any retained puppy teeth. If he's not neutered you should also take care of that at the same time. After any decayed teeth are removed possibly an antibiotic needs to be given again. Then you can work on the ears. But I am not a vet just a YT member with some experience with his issues. I'm looking at your pictures and it looks like the hair on his legs is very thin. Is he chewing his paws too? This could be allergies which could also be related to his ear issues. I would look at his food and try something like limited ingredient or even Royal Canin hydrolyzed RX food might help. __________________ “Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” Mark Twain

07-15-2014, 09:09 AM	#18
Lisa and Pic ♥ Piccolo & Vivi ♥ Donating Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 14,311	Hope you will see a vet dermatologist too. I'm no health expert, but Piccolo was lethargic and had ear stuff going on 7 years ago and it was due to something that could be tested with skin scrapes and a skin biopsy. My regular vet could not figure it out. Not saying it is that though. Good luck and will keep you both in my thoughts. __________________ Lisa, Dixie, and Jazzy (RIP Piccolo and Vivi)

07-15-2014, 02:58 PM	#23
megansmomma Donating YT 10K Club Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: S. W. Suburbs of Chicago, IL Posts: 12,235	I work in the OR so anesthesia does not scare me like it does to some people. He's small but he really isn't that tiny. Mine will not allow me to brush so I have no tips for brushing teeth. But that baby tooth needs to go! Bogey just had a dental yesterday and I picked in up in a couple of hours. It was the 3rd time he was under general anesthesia and did well. He is a rescue and over a year old when I adopted him. He was just about 5 lbs and had to be neutered according to his adoption contract. At the same time he had a couple of puppy teeth removed. Before the dental was done his breath was HORRIBLE from the retained teeth. So I really do understand. Recently, he had an ear infection and also anal gland infection. The vet told me "ears and rears" mean allergies and suggested adding fiber and changing his diet to a limited ingredient. But my girl was on Royal Canin Hydrolized Protien so I just switched him to that instead. So I totally get the issues you are having and it's the reason that I'm pushing the dental and food change. __________________ “Never argue with a fool, onlookers may not be able to tell the difference.” Mark Twain

07-15-2014, 05:17 PM	#28
OwnedByJezebel YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 1,921	I understand your worries, I worry when mine are under, too and mine have had normal results on blood tests. But look at it this way .... dogs with liver problems get dentals and other procedures done all the time. In fact, dogs with full-blown liver shunt go under anesthesia to have their liver shunt repaired. A competent vet can handle it. Just think how much better your pup will feel when it's all over, it will change so much for them. __________________ Life is merrier with a Yorkshire Terrier! Jezebel & Chuy ... RIP: Barkley Loosie & Sassy

07-15-2014, 09:35 PM	#29
nanahas3 ♥Love My Snuggle Bugs♥ Donating Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Missouri Posts: 4,290	It is very worrisome to know they are going to be put under for care but they really do usually do well. Kyra has had her spay and dental and she is 3lbs on a good day after meals. It takes her a little bit to come out of it all when she gets home but she had done great. __________________ *CharleneMama to Laddy and Kyra and Always in our hearts Lolita*

07-15-2014, 04:52 AM	#16
Ashlea979 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Concord Posts: 21	I've tried to download photos & link. It's not working for me. Here's the link to my Dropbox that has pictures of his ears & nose! The grass was wet outside so he looks a little scruffy! https://www.dropbox.com/sc/6dufy005j...Y1BpuvBO9KxTUa

07-15-2014, 01:25 PM	#19
Ashlea979 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Concord Posts: 21	He's never been under anesthesia. The very first vet that I took him to after I got him (9.5 months) said it wasn't safe for him to go under because there was a good possibility he could die! So, it's scared me very much to ever have that done! -He hasn't been neutered -He has one retained puppy tooth - the vet only talked to me a grand total of 30 seconds about his teeth. So, not much was said! I didn't think much of it because he didn't seem concerned & that it was very normal. - not chewing his paws very often, but does have allergies! The two vets said he's never seen anything like Bear's ears I'm going to STOP the Gentizol & try Lotrimin soon. Still trying to look into a specialist & dermatologist.

07-15-2014, 01:26 PM	#20
Ashlea979 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Concord Posts: 21	I love the name piccolo @lisa and pic!

07-15-2014, 02:50 PM	#22
Ashlea979 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Concord Posts: 21	Haha! Yeah, it petrified us so that's our main reasoning for not putting him under anesthesia. I do brush his teeth, but guilty for not brushing very often because he's a stinker when it comes to his teeth, ears, & feet! He doesn't like them to be touched! Any advice for brushing? His belly is Sooooo sensitive (yorkies are so fragile!), but Ive had him on a Science Diet Toy Breed-light for about 2.5 years now. When I was trying to get him the best food, he was having allergic reactions to other food! This is the ONLY food he's ever done good with. I even gave him the regular Science Diet Toy breed & it made him have diarrhea! He's very healthy but has a roller coaster of things happen to him! Atleast he's young, but I am trying my best to get all his issues under control! I love my little Bear! Thank y'all for your advice!

07-15-2014, 03:24 PM	#24
Ashlea979 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Concord Posts: 21	Haha! Yeah, it petrified us so that's our main reasoning for not putting him under anesthesia. I do brush his teeth, but guilty for not brushing very often because he's a stinker when it comes to his teeth, ears, & feet! He doesn't like them to be touched! Any advice for brushing? His belly is Sooooo sensitive (yorkies are so fragile!), but Ive had him on a Science Diet Toy Breed-light for about 2.5 years now. When I was trying to get him the best food, he was having allergic reactions to other food! This is the ONLY food he's ever done good with. I even gave him the regular Science Diet Toy breed & it made him have diarrhea! He's very healthy but has a roller coaster of things happen to him! Atleast he's young, but I am trying my best to get all his issues under control! I love my little Bear! Thank y'all for your advice!

07-15-2014, 03:32 PM	#25
Ashlea979 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Concord Posts: 21	I think my phone his submit twice! Sorry for the double response! Bear did have an anal infection about 8 months ago! He was on antibiotics! His breath is TERRIBLE! I guess we are going have to prayerfully consider anesthesia! It's just having a bad experience with a vet that's make us hesitant & scared. Thank you so much for your help! I feel like that his teeth is the culprit for everything else. His poor little ears look awful though! I feel so bad for him!

07-19-2014, 11:49 AM	#30
Ashlea979 Yorkie Talker Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Concord Posts: 21	Ok Ladies/Yorkie Lovers I still need your help!! I have been washing Bear's ears with water & vinegar to see if that would help heal any and it has not! I have a referral for a Specialist/Dermatologist to see Bear, I'm just waiting for an opening in their schedule to fit him in ASAP. So, in the meantime I've done a LOT of research! Do any of y'all know about Medicated Cushing's Disease? I'm thinking that his signs point to it. When I first took Bear to the vet, it was because he was acting sick. They diagnosed it with a bacterial & yeast infection. They prescribed Gentizol (which is a topical corticosterioid). After a couple days, I noticed balding of his ears, & the next vet prescribed Predisone (which is an oral corticosteroid). He was using Gentizol in his ears for Yeast & Bacteria infection. Predisone was used because they said his immune system was low from allergies & he needed his immune system to be higher for him to heal his ear infection. Gentizol was used twice a day for 10 days (but kept being administered- as vet had to me to do- because his ears started peeling with his hair!), Predisone was taken 2 a day for 7 days and once a day for 3 days, & finished out the rest of the dosage every other day. His ears only increased in peeling! They NEVER looked better, only got worse. But, ear infection was gone. He seems like a totally different dog since then. He was just a sick dog from ear infection, & now is acting so weird. He's just not the same. In my research, I've seen Cushing's Disease can be medically produced from the overuse of Cortisol. (Which Bear did have a lot of from Predisone & Gentizol). His symptoms are: lethargy hair loss insomnia abnormal eating habits I've also read that Medicated Cushing's Disease can be reversed. And, that it's NOT cushing's disease- just symptoms of it. On Bear's Bloodwork the abnormal results were: Low Cholesterol Low EOS (said to be from stress) High PCV (which could indicate kidney tumor from high levels of Cortisone) Also, PCV read 60.4% which is high, but Manual test read 51? Not sure what that means! Do any of you know about Medicated Cushing's disease? I'm going to take Bear on Monday to have him tested!