dogs ear!!! HELP!!!

[torque]

My dog is 5yrs old, part pit/chow. she has always had ear issues- always flopping. last vet told us she had narrow ear canals- and gave us drops to put in when they bothered her. Switched docs- he said she has a yeast/bacterial infection (2weeks ago)-gave her antibotics- for a month and different drops, plus a cortisone shot for swelling. At recheck today- he did a ear canal cleaning- knocked her out and did the deep clean. I just called them to see how she was- they said the doc thinks her ear drum might not be entact- because some fluid came out nose, but that would heal. My question is- do you think he ruptured her ear drum when doing the cleaning? Will this heal? Will is cause deafness? Or other problems? Is it painful for her? My heart breaks for her!! I wish she was with me, but he wants to keep her over night for observation. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!!!

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

If her ears have had these chronic problems for very long than the eardrum may have been extra fragile from the constant infections and inflammation, ie: it could tear more easily.  The ear drum should heal with out difficulty, and without causing deafness, but you must continue with the ear drops.  A ruptured ear drum can be painful and I would request an NSAID from your veterinarian for short term analgesia.  NSAID's cannot be used if she is on steroids.  Occasionally ruptured ear drums can cause nausea.  There are antiemetics (anti-nausea) pills or liquid that can be prescribed for the nausea or vomiting that may occur.  Finally, your veterinarian should address the reason she continues to get ear infections.  The most common causes of chronic ear infections are food allergies, or environmental allergies.  Environmental allergies can by diagnosed with blood tests and intradermal allergy testing.  Food allergies can be diagnosed with a food trial.

I hope all goes well!

[torque]

Thank you for resoponding!! My doc has mentioned food allergy. I picked her up today- she has to go back in two weeks for check up. I will also know the results of the lab work and biopsy that he did. he said after we find out the results of that- we can see about changing her food. Thanks again!! I am sure I will have more questions then!!!