Mac's ears are bothering him...

[LaRositaMonita]

I'm wondering what's up with Mac's ears. Since Sunday night, when we came home from Jackie and Jess's house, Mac's been shaking his head as if his ears bother him. No scratching, though, just shaking. I cleaned his ears out and couldn't find any residue or discharge, and they don't look red or swollen. However, if I rub or massage he base of his ears, he whimpers, as if something is way down there hurting him. I called the vet and they said it could be an inner ear infection that I just can't see, although I think that's odd...but they said a scratch from playing hard with Jackie is unlikely deep down. Advice for now is to just flush his ears with cleaner once a night (no rubbing or wiping...just squirt, let it sit here for a little bit, and let him shake) and watch it for a few days.

Any advice to add? Has this happened to anyone before? I thought Corgis weren't really prone to ear problems. :(

[disraeli ears]

Awww...poor little Mac. +SAD+ I don't have any advice as I've never really dealt with ear problems, but I can give him sympathy.:SMILE:

[MrsGrace]

Poor Mac! Sending him big hugs and snuggles. Hope he feels better soon! I would say if it doesn't improve soon to call the Vet back and get an appt. Poor little guy!!! +WUBCLUB+

[glencorgi]

When was the last time he had a bath Heather? Maybe some water got stuck down in his ear? Or something got in there when he was at the park and has since come out, but irritated it anyway? I'd give the drops a couple of days and if there isn't any improvement take him.

Corgis aren't really prone to ear problems, not like drop eared breeds, but they can have ear mites, yeast infections, etc., etc., and so on Signs of those you should be able to see though.

Debbie

[dcole]

Poor Mac! The head shaking does sound like when the cats get their minor ear troubles. Squirting in some ear cleaner for a few days usually clears it up.

Hope Mac feels better soon!

[sutulu]

Poor Mac. I feel very bad for him.

Every time I get a head cold it ends up in my ears these days. Pain and then the feeling that I am underwater!

Hope he feels better soon.

Susan

[love2corgis]

Hope you feel better soon Mac

[ZdogZ]

Poor Mac! I hope he's better this evening.

[LaRositaMonita]

When was the last time he had a bath Heather? Maybe some water got stuck down in his ear? Or something got in there when he was at the park and has since come out, but irritated it anyway? I'd give the drops a couple of days and if there isn't any improvement take him.

Corgis aren't really prone to ear problems, not like drop eared breeds, but they can have ear mites, yeast infections, etc., etc., and so on Signs of those you should be able to see though.

Debbie

Can you recommend a really good brand of ear cleaner, Aunt Debbiemom? We used t have a lab who was VERY prone to ear problems, but I've been unable to find/remember the brand our vet back in Jersey always recommended. All I remember is that it was blue! The only blue cleaner Col and I have been able to find, though, is definitely not the same and seems to be a little soapy...it may be making Mac feel worse, not better :( Mac had a bath on Super Bowl Sunday so he'd be all ready to go for his visit with Jackie. I'll see if there's some other cleaner we can use for a couple of days and then take him in. Something is down there bothering him but I can't see or smell it.

[Lauren]

All I remember is that it was blue!
Blue Power Wash! I swear by the stuff :)

It's a homemade thing, you can't buy it...I have the recipe, let me go find it...

[Lauren]

Here's the site. Linky. (http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/BLUE.HTM)
Recipe:
-16 Oz. Isopropyl Alcohol
-4 Tablespoons Boric Acid Powder
-16 Drops Gentian Violet Solution 1%

I used this on Izzy when she had her yeast infection. I know a lot of people who have used it and all had amazing results.

[LaRositaMonita]

Here's the site. Linky. (http://www.itsfortheanimals.com/BLUE.HTM)
Recipe:
-16 Oz. Isopropyl Alcohol
-4 Tablespoons Boric Acid Powder
-16 Drops Gentian Violet Solution 1%

I used this on Izzy when she had her yeast infection. I know a lot of people who have used it and all had amazing results.

The stuff we used to use was definitely store-bought, not homemade, but it might have had similar ingredients to this. I'm really not sure. My parents don't think it had alcohol in it, though... but if no other leads turn up, we'll shop around at the drug store and give it a try.

[Lauren]

I'd definitally recommend it, I've seen it have amazing results when nothing from the vet would help.

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

When Miss Gambler was around two, she started shaking her head constantly, the result was her ears(they are big ears since she's a Corgi) would hit each other. Her ears started bruising. We went to the vet twice, the first vet(a temp/fill-in) said that it looked like fly strikes(whatever that is) and HELLO, she's not an outdoor dog. I knew that the bruising was from her ears slapping each other when she shook her head, so we made an appointment with our fav vet, I was correct, it was from slapping each other, diagnosed as trauma to the ears and a cream was prescribed(side effect was she lost the fur that the cream covered but it healed quickly and fur grew back normally). She had no infection, it was just one of her little skin things, she has sensitive skin, and that's actually when we switched to the oatmeal shampoo. We never had a repeat episode like that, but we know when she shakes her head like that, something is bothering her. Most recently, going back from CA water to NV water a couple of months ago. Not diagnosing Mac, just thought I would share since it may not be an ear problem, and I know the vet has told us to sniff their ears, that's a good way of detecting an ear problem, not guaranteed to always work I guess though.

[LaRositaMonita]

Thanks for the suggestion, Delta. I can definitely tell that it's something down deep in Mac's, ears, though, although the weird thing is that there's no odor, no irritation, no wax or dark residue. From Mitzie the lab my whole family have become doggie ear infection experts, but this is trowing me for a loop...I'm thinking that if we don't see some turnaround by this time tomorrow I'll just make a vet appointment and see what he says.

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Mucho Mojo wishes for a simple solution then, but still watch the slapping of the ears, it's amazing how they can bruise when they constantly slap together. Miss G's ears looked horrible in just a couple of days, THEN she lost all the fur once medicated, she was a sight. And yes, her ears really hurt her, we couldn't even touch them without her crying, she went through a lot of dog aspirin(that really helped!).

[glencorgi]

Heather,

What I have on hand - from the shelves of the pet supply place is R-7 Brand ear cleaner. It works good for just general cleaning. I will give a thumbs up endorsement of Izfro's Formula with the Genetian Blue. Robin has used it on Piper Poodle's ears (which can be really bad - she's a rescue) and it has made a world of difference in them. It also gets rave reviews and is highly recommended on the Showdogs list.

Debbie

[Akatihsa]

 Vibes for Mac 

[LaRositaMonita]

Heather,

What I have on hand - from the shelves of the pet supply place is R-7 Brand ear cleaner. It works good for just general cleaning. I will give a thumbs up endorsement of Izfro's Formula with the Genetian Blue. Robin has used it on Piper Poodle's ears (which can be really bad - she's a rescue) and it has made a world of difference in them. It also gets rave reviews and is highly recommended on the Showdogs list.

Debbie

Any tips on where I can get the ingredients on short notice (like, tomorrow)? I can order them online easily but won't get them until at the earliest the end of this week - more likely the beginning of next week. From what I can tell, my local Walgreen's/Rite-Aid probably won't have it...

[glencorgi]

They might have the Genetian Violet/Blue behind the counter at the drug stores???? Not sure about health food stores, if they carry it or not. You can use like 50/50 alcohol/water as an option. I'd go to one of the pet supply stores and see what they have on the shelves too.

Debbie

[MrsGrace]

Walgreens carries it and if they are out, call your local La Leche League as Genetian Violet is used for breastfeeding moms. They'll know where to get it locally and cheap.

Good luck! Healthy vibes to Mac.... Poor guy... +WUBCLUB+

[midgesmom]

Has he been anywhere where he might have gotten burrs down in his ears, like foxtail or cheatgrass or something of that sort? Corgis are just the right height that if they run through a patch of that, the little burrs go right into their ears and can get way down in. They are pointy and very uncomfortable. I've had to take Midge to the vet to have them removed. They warned me that it's important to get checked and get them out as soon as possible if you suspect that's what it is because they can pierce the eardrum or cause a serious infection that could damage the dog's hearing. If he's been running around outdoors where he might have gotten into something like that, you might consider having a vet look in his ears.

[LaRositaMonita]

Has he been anywhere where he might have gotten burrs down in his ears, like foxtail or cheatgrass or something of that sort? Corgis are just the right height that if they run through a patch of that, the little burrs go right into their ears and can get way down in. They are pointy and very uncomfortable. I've had to take Midge to the vet to have them removed. They warned me that it's important to get checked and get them out as soon as possible if you suspect that's what it is because they can pierce the eardrum or cause a serious infection that could damage the dog's hearing. If he's been running around outdoors where he might have gotten into something like that, you might consider having a vet look in his ears.

The only place that could have happened is while we were running around last weekend at the dog park, but I cant imagine any of that would have been around in a fenced dog park. Mac's not feeling any better this morning, and is probably feeling a little worse...conveniently, I have a snow day from school today! So as son as the vet is open I'll call to make an appointment. Hopefully we can go in today once the roads are a little better.

[glencorgi]

He could have picked up something at the dog park and I thought of that when I remembered those pictures. Even though it is pretty clean area (as in being cleared of burrs and such things), they are pretty small and it is hard to get all of them.

Hope you can get him today.

Auntie Debbiemom sending get well wishes for da widdle fella

[LaRositaMonita]

He could have picked up something at the dog park and I thought of that when I remembered those pictures. Even though it is pretty clean area (as in being cleared of burrs and such things), they are pretty small and it is hard to get all of them.

Hope you can get him today.

Auntie Debbiemom sending get well wishes for da widdle fella

We have an 11:30 appointment today...in the past couple of hours he's perked up a little, but we still can't so much as touch his ears. I'll keep you guys posted.

[mtoy]

Oh poor Mac! Maybe it's the Curse of the Bunny ears?

I hope he's feeling better soon!

[MrsGrace]

Good luck Mac.... +WUBCLUB+ Feel better soon!!!

[LaRositaMonita]

Okay, here's the scoop:

Between yesterday and when we took Mac to the vet today his ears got VERY red and somewhat inflamed (especially the black one). When they swabbed his ears at the vet, however, they didn't find any elevated levels of bacteria or yeast, so it's not an infection. The vet thinsk it's most likely some sort of allergic reaction, set off by who knows what (maybe something at the park, or something at Petco, or something he ate, although she agreed that there wasn't a likely culprit anywhere in there). It's puzzling that he's not really itchy, or scratching, or licking/biting/chewing anywhere on his body, but since the skin in his ears is just like anywhere else, that could be how the reaction is manifesting itself. We may have inadvertently exacerbated it by using the ear solution he didn't like/was sensitive to. Major concern right now is to get the redness and swelling down and to make him feel more comfortable.

Mac got an injection of Benadryl at the vet's and is already feeling drowsy from it (a good thing, I'm sure a nap is also making him feel more comfortable). He'll get Benadryl 2-3 times a day through the weekend or until we notice things getting better. In addition, she also gave Mac a VERY low dose of steroids to help things get better more quickly. Normally in this situation she would give him a topical steroid, but his black ear in particular is so irritated she said the drops would sting like h*ll and will make him feel worse before he feels better. So we'll start all those meds at dinnertime tonight and see how things go for the rest of the week.

In the meantime, Mac's in good spirits (in true Corgi fashion). Feeling icky in his ears didn't stop him from trying to lick both vets on call all over their faces, and Mac tried to make a lovely boxer friend in the waiting room and politely offered a stool sample to the vet tech as son as he walked in to get examined (aka....he pooped on the floor).

Thanks so much for all the vibes...we hope Mac gets well soon :)

[MrsGrace]

In the meantime, Mac's in good spirits (in true Corgi fashion). Feeling icky in his ears didn't stop him from trying to lick both vets on call all over their faces, and Mac tried to make a lovely boxer friend in the waiting room and politely offered a stool sample to the vet tech as son as he walked in to get examined (aka....he pooped on the floor).

Thanks so much for all the vibes...we hope Mac gets well soon :)

SO GLAD to hear there is a plan of attack. And knowing that Colby isn't the only one to give ... offerings... at the vets. :TWITCHY:

Thank you for the update! +WUBCLUB+

[mtoy]

Yay for fresh stool samples! Hope he feels better soon and you can figure out what caused it. Good idea not putting the topical steroids on the inflamed tissue, he'd probably remember that for a very long time and you'd never get near his ears again.

Have some peaceful Benadryl dreams, Mac! "SLEEP:

[Jespah]

Thanks for the update on Mac - wouldn't want him feeling poorly for Valentine's! Hope he's having good dreams and some relief from the irritation!

[ZdogZ]

Sending vibes that Mac will be better this afternoon. Poor little guy. I'm glad that you got into to see the vet today. Keep us updated.

[love2corgis]

Glad Mac will get some relief now.
I have never had mine give ''stool samples'' at the vet but we NEVER get away without a ''urine sample'' I thought we had last week when I took them for Cindy's infection but just as we were leaving up cocked Sooty's leg.

[glencorgi]

Glad to hear the report Heather, bwess him's heart. Sometimes, ya just never know. Hope the Benadryl fixes him right up.

Debbie

[Lauren]

In the meantime, Mac's in good spirits (in true Corgi fashion). Feeling icky in his ears didn't stop him from trying to lick both vets on call all over their faces, and Mac tried to make a lovely boxer friend in the waiting room and politely offered a stool sample to the vet tech as son as he walked in to get examined (aka....he pooped on the floor).
ROFL :TWITCHY:
I'm glad to hear he's feeling better :)

If you want, I can make you a batch of the Blue Power Wash and bring it down Sunday. Even if you don't use it now, it's a good thing to have around. The Gentian Violet took me forever to find, we went to all the drug stores within a 20 mile raduis and couldn't find it, we finally stopped at an ancient hole in the wall shop and snatched the last bottle :COOL:

[LaRositaMonita]

ROFL :TWITCHY:
I'm glad to hear he's feeling better :)

If you want, I can make you a batch of the Blue Power Wash and bring it down Sunday. Even if you don't use it now, it's a good thing to have around. The Gentian Violet took me forever to find, we went to all the drug stores within a 20 mile raduis and couldn't find it, we finally stopped at an ancient hole in the wall shop and snatched the last bottle :COOL:

You're welcome to if you really want to! Otherwise, I was able to find the boric acid and (of course) rubbing alcohol at Rite Aid today while picking up Benadryl...and I can order Gentian Violet online anytime. The ingredients are just tough to find in a pinch! How long will a pre-made batch last? Again...not going to put ANYTHING topical in Mac's ears until he's feeling better. If it works well as a general ear cleaner maybe we'll try it in a couple of weeks when he's more comfortable.

[Lauren]

I'm not sure if there's a specific length that it can last, but I put it in an 8 or 16 oz. (I can't remember atm) bottle and use it once a month as just a general cleaner until it's gone.
I know a lot of dog people who use it every 2 weeks or a month, just to keep the ears clean and healthy, especially dog who have had ear issues before.

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

I'm in the hospital, but just had to post on this, really watch Mac's ears, and his slapping them together when he shakes his head. It sounds like he has what we go through with Miss Gambler, hopefully, yours is just a one time thing and not indicative of being overly sensitive. Miss Gambler had to wear a cone/halo for a number of days, she wouldn't shake her head when wearing it, so gave her ears a break. Her ears looked horribly bruised and raw, and irritated, and the topical cream actually helped to soothe them, she didn't fight it, it felt good, it was prescribed. You have to watch damage to the ears because it can be permanent, and our vet told us that if it gets too bad, blood vessels are compromised and they have to remove portions of the dead area, it can die from lack of blood. Not meaning to scare you, or act like a know-it-all, but damage to the ears can be a serious thing. I would strongly suggest a good oatmeal bath when the vet says he can be bathed. It really soothes the skin. It's no telling what he got into, and it's been around 75 degrees here, things are blooming, so lots out there to irritate him. Also, dog aspirin REALLY soothed Miss Gambler during this time. And remember, if you use a prescribed cream, one of the side effects is loss of fur in the area you use it, so don't panic. Mucho Mojo Vibes out to Mac.

[LaRositaMonita]

Where was the swelling on Miss G's ears, Delta? Mac's are red/inflamed n the inside, going somewhat deep down. Ears actually don't even touch when he shakes his head...it reminds me more of how you shake your head when you have swimmer's ear...something is irritating and you want to knock it out.

I'll ask the vet on the oatmeal bath when we check in with her this weekend (she asked us to, said she would even call us if she can)...unfortunately no doggie aspirin allowed since he's on a steroid. Looks like things are looking up a little...his ears are already less sensitive to the touch and his demeanor is definitely taking an upswing :)

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

The inflamation/bruising/trauma was all on the inside(from the tip to about halfway down, and that's a good deal of real estate on a Corgi), and I guess I worded poorly, Miss G's ears can actually slap together, LOL, but just the slapping against the head when he shakes his head would hurt the ears. Watch him when he shakes his head, I bet you will see this. This started out as red inflamed looking, then turned to blue bruising within about 24 hours, then REALLY bruised and became awful looking, there was a lack of blood circulation(dark blue and purpling). (We wasted precious time with a vet who said that it was fly strikes(!!!!!!!!!!!) We saw another vet, our fav, the very next afternoon, but enough time to get much worse and have to worry about blood flow being cut off. Also, this came out of nowhere, and followed a long walk out at Red Rock Canyons, this was in late April if memory serves me correctly.

[LaRositaMonita]

Thanks Delta...I'll be watching out.

PS - ARE YOU AND LITTLE ACE OKAY?!?!?

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

(Went into very early labor today, hubby is almost here, his flight just landed and he is actually in a cab right now.) Take care of Mac, I know from Miss G that she was in real pain, and I HATED that.

[LaRositaMonita]

(Went into very early labor today, hubby is almost here, his flight just landed and he is actually in a cab right now.) Take care of Mac, I know from Miss G that she was in real pain, and I HATED that.

BIG HUGE vibes to you, hubby, and baby, Delta...PLEAE keep us updated if you can. *hugs*

[ZdogZ]

Sorry to bust in on Heather's thread but....
Delta - Am sending vibes to you and Little Ace. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.

[Penutsma]

Vibes and all my prayers for a good outcome for you and little Ace!

[glencorgi]

Sounds like Miss G gave herself hematomas, something different than what Heather is describing with Mac.

Debbie

[MVons]

Poor Mac and hugs to you Delta and wisdom to your hospital care.

This has been so informative. We had the burs up my doxie ears but we've never had any ear problems with our corgis. Foxtails go up their nose nicely:SHOCKED: requiring emergency to get it out (Pepper). This tells me I will keep the flexible cone collar even after Chester is neutered. The couple times Chester has really shook his head, I heard the flapping sound.

[CorgiMum]

Hope that Mac is feeling better real soon, and we are sending him lots of good healing vibes.


I'm in the hospital, but just had to post on this, really watch Mac's ears, and his slapping them together when he shakes his head. Are you ok Delta?

[disraeli ears]

Hugs and vibes to Mac....and DEFINITELY to Delta and Ace....hope all is well! +WUBCLUB+

[jcj528]

Gosh, I have so busy I missed this thread entirely. Vibes to Mac and his ear problams and the strongest possible special vibes to Delta.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Delta~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Mac~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~

[dcole]

Rest up and heal, little Mac, and huge vibes to Delta and Ace!!

[Penutsma]

Has anyone heard from Delta in the last 24 hrs?

[ZdogZ]

Has anyone heard from Delta in the last 24 hrs?

I haven't heard a word from her. Am really worried about her.

[corgiland]

Sending vibes to Mac and lots of vibes to Delta .........

[jcj528]

Delta is very much in our thoughts and prayers here in Miami. Hope we here something soon

[LaRositaMonita]

Okay, a "pup-date" as per Delta's request :) Mac is doing LOTS better - many kudos to our vet! Medicine worked like a charm and now we're weaning him off the prednisone. Satellite dish ears are now back in working order!!

[MrsGrace]

+WUBCLUB+ Great news! YAY for Mac feeling better!!!

[jcj528]

Glad to hear that Mac is on the mend!

[MissGambler's+Mojo'sMommy]

Good to hear Heather. (No pun, really.)

[Akatihsa]

YAY! I'm so glad Mac is feeling better.