My dog's chronic ear infection won't heal. What can I do?

Question

My dog has had a really bad ear infection for years, they’ve given him medicine that we gave to him until it ran out but they never got better. If something could be done to fix it what would it be and how much would it cost? He has issues hearing as is I don’t know if surgery or whatever needs to be done will completely deafen him? Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | unneutered

Lauren Jones VMD · Accepted Answer

It is important to remember that not every medication treats every ear infection. Since this has been an ongoing issue, I recommend asking your vet to perform an ear cytology to microscopically evaluate the ear discharge. This will determine if the infection is caused by bacteria and/or yeast. Cultures of the ear discharge may also be necessary if the infection seems to be resistant to the medication currently being used. Surgical procedures (such as a total ear canal ablation, also known as a TECA) are available, but are generally only performed by specialists. These procedures are generally considered a last resort, as they remove the ear canal and cause deafness in the affected ear. The cost could run several thousand dollars, depending on your location and the availability of specialist surgeons. Before jumping to the surgical route, I recommend further consultation with your vet or a veterinary dermatologist. I hope that all goes well for Wolfey!

My dog's chronic ear infection won't heal. What can I do?

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