Why is my dog's ear skin black, dry, wrinkled, and painful to touch?

Question

My dog has a patch of black, dry, wrinkled skin in one of her ears. It's inside the outer ear and it hurts her a little if touched. It's about the size of a quarter, irregular shape and 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | unspayed | 95 lbs

Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS · Accepted Answer

I am so sorry to hear that Gizmo's ear is bothering her. From what you are describing I believe she has an ear infection, and has been scratching at her ear causing the changes you observe. Ear infections in dogs can be very difficult to manage, and are very common. Though cleaning may help prevent ear infections ruins, it won't treat an ear infection that is present. Antibiotics are needed. Unfortunately, there aren't any medications over the counter which would be helpful at this stage. Outer ear infections can progress to inner ear infections. Inner ear infections are very difficult to treat, are very painful and have serious potential complications, such as hearing loss and problems with balance. I would suggest a trip to the vet as soon as you can. The vet will use a tool to look into Gizmo's ears, and may take a swab of the infected ear and send it away for analysis, so that the exact pathogens causing the infection can be identified and therefore a specific antibiotic can be used.   I hope that this answer was helpful, and more importantly that Gizmo's ear gets better soon. Warmest regards to you both.

Why is my dog's ear skin black, dry, wrinkled, and painful to touch?

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