closed ear canal update

Submitted by mrhig2004 on February 7, 2012 - 9:48pm

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Mr. Higgins is seeing the vet monthly to check on his closed ear canal. Treatment has been once weekly steriod drops. Last month it was still mostly closed and the mister was drooling periodically which I know is pain.

Lately the drooling has improved and he has been very playful. Vet said the ear is slightly more open (perhaps a #5 french tube could fit down there, but vet did not try it as it would hurt.) Vet believes this is as good as it will ever get. There is a big polyp at the entrance which is mostly the culprit along with swelling along the rest of the canal. His hearing has improved.

The bad news is the other ear appears to be closing. I have been treating both ears with the drops as per vet instruction. Surgery is not needed at this point on either ear. Vet agrees if the drooling returns he will be started on Rimadyl.

Any thoughts?

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Ear canal update

Submitted by carmiesmommy on February 7, 2012 - 11:12pm.

I really cannot urge you enough to see a specialist. The only way to get the ear canal opened and the polyp to go away is with steroids. As much as I hate them, it's only temporary. Once the ear canal opens, then you can administer antibiotic drops to fight whatever infection there is. A dermatologist will know this. I found out the cause of my guy's ear closure was food related. Turned out to be flaxseed oil! Have you considered also taking a blood allergy test? Poor Higgins. Give him a big hug and I hope you can resolve this sooner than later.

Steroids (additional info from my last msg)

Submitted by carmiesmommy on February 7, 2012 - 11:15pm.

My guy was on methylprednisolone for a month! He took a pill every day.

Specialist

Submitted by animal005 on February 7, 2012 - 11:39pm.

Kilmore had ear issues, including the canal closing. We had to take him to UW Madison to the dermatologist. They gave us prednisone (high dose) for a short time, and special ear drop we had to use. The solution they made for us worked and his ears got better. We just had to keep him on the ear meds. So if you can I would recommend going to a dermatologist.

Sarah

ear drops

Submitted by mrhig2004 on February 8, 2012 - 11:36am.

Thank you so much for answering my post. As always I receive lots of support on this board.

My vet has told me the polyp is right at the opening, and it will not shrink any more than it has, and the swelling inside the ear will not go down any further.He assured me it is not cancerous. I had a long discussion with him about systemic steriods, even a short coarse and he is very reluctant. Those steroids can cause other issues as we know. My vet did consult with the vet college here.

As far as a dermatologist, I may want a referral.We discussed that. However, since the other ear is now involved. I know I do not want him to go through 2 ablation surgeries. He has had 7 surgeries already. The ablation surgery is no laughing matter. My vet knows my feelings about the surgery. I do have insurance, so it is not a money thing.

I assume a dermatologist would only suggest surgery. Maybe not.

I wonder if other dog`s ears were not as closed as my boy`s is therefore it would have been easier to open up. As long as he does not exhibit pain, I will carry on until his next check up next month. This is a month to month thing for now.

It goes without saying that I am totally freaked out about this, however there have been other health issues causing me to freak out and they have been resolved. He is 7 now and after 7 previous surgeries, I do not want to push my luck.

My vet will gladly refer him if I ask. I may end up doing it after all.

Deborah and (very very sweet) Mr. Higgins

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My boy's ear

Submitted by carmiesmommy on February 8, 2012 - 7:42pm.

was practically closed. Please, I urge you to get a referrel and go see a Dermatologist. They specialize in this and surgery is the very last option if all else fails. I think your vet is prolonging the unnecessary pain and agony Mr. Higgins is going through. Prednisone/steroids is the only med that will get the canals to open up. It is an antiinflammatory drug. It would only be temporary. I am not a vet, but I went thru this very thing with my boy. This is what I had to do. Steroids for 2 weeks. Then steroids for 2 more weeks and cleaning his ears every day. Then antibiotic drops for 2 more weeks. Ear canal opened and polyp disappeared. He had a bacterial infection and in addition had a food related allergy which made things worse. It has been almost 3 years now and he is fine. No more steroids and no surgery needed. Please get a referral asap or do some research on your own to find the best Dermatologist in your area. Good Luck!

I hear you, thanks

Submitted by mrhig2004 on February 9, 2012 - 12:38pm.

I am going to get the referral. My vet will not have a problem with it. I will keep you updated. Mr. Higgins already has seen the dermatologist at the Vet Emerg Clinic. He has not seen her for a couple of years, but the VEC in Toronto is highly regarded to have the best specialists and intensive care unit.There is even a t.v show now weekly following pets and their acute health issues at the VEC. My boy has been there a number of times for various things including ICU post palate resection.

My vet is not prolonging anything. I lost it when he diagnosed the closed canal, told him I do not want the surgery, so he said we will handle it medically for as long as possible. I trust him. He reviews options no matter what the issue. He spoke of a dermatology consult the first day.

Many thanks for the push. I hope and pray this thing can resolve as it did with your boy.

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