My dog keeps shaking her head, but vets can't find the ear issue.

Question

My 6 yo Pom mix has been in and out of the vets these past three weeks. Collapsing trachea, lame right leg and now a right ear that’s causing her to shake her head. Vets can not identify what’s wrong with her ear and say they are all unrelated. Worried parent here trying to get to the bottom of the sudden ear issue. We have drops and anti inflammatories. What else could it be? Pet's info: Dog | Pomeranian | Female | spayed | 5 years and 11 months old | 11 lbs

Dr. Elizabeth · Accepted Answer

Poor Meda! The collapsing trachea and knee issue are likely genetic and are not uncommon in the breed. The ear could be a few things like a resistant infection, a foreign body stuck in the ear, a damaged ear drum, an infection behind the ear drum or she could have an underlying condition like an allergy or hypothyroidism that cause pets to be more susceptible to ear infections. Make sure that the vets have been able to see her ear drum and verify that nothing is stuck in the canal. This can be difficult in small dogs and some may require sedation. If the infection is not clearing up with appropriate medications, you may get an ear culture to check for antibiotic resistance. Some other these pets will go on an even have skull radiographs or an endoscopic exam to look behind the ear drum. Allergies can be determined with a food trial, a blood test or trial of medications for allergies. Thyroid conditions are diagnosed with a blood test. Sometimes this process is trial and error but eventually you can get it figured out. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

My dog keeps shaking her head, but vets can't find the ear issue.

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