Dog Community

Animax for ear infection

Posted : 3/20/2006 11:40:42 PM

My beautiful 5 year-old Bella recently had brown wax in her ears (we just began cleaning her ears regularly), and I took her to the vet today and we got a prescription of Animax to use twice a day for the next 10 days, as well as OtiClens for cleaning post-Animax. Should I clean in between Animax treatments? I don't want to irritate Bella's already sore left ear, but want the medicine to work, too. And could this be caused by an allergy related to food? After a long time of stomach problems , we switched her to Science Diet for Sensitive Stomach and she has been belly-healthy for a year now! But could this have caused an allergy? Or are ear infections just common for dogs with floppy ears? Thanks all!

Wysteria Berkhoff

Posted : 3/21/2006 6:14:06 AM

Welcome to i-dog! And to the wide world of dirty dog ears[8D] I just want to make sure you wrote this right

...Animax to use twice a day for the next 10 days, as well as OtiClens for cleaning post-Animax.

The way I am understanding that is your vet told you to clean the ears after medicating them? I work with 7 different vets and have never heard one of them tell a client to clean the ears post medicating. I would think that it would be the opposite (clean before medicating). I would think it would take the infection longer to heal if you were washing out the medication. As far as
a possible allergy goes I would prepare yourself for some reading and dive into the world of i-dog. There is a ton of information!
Good luck

Wysteria

glenmar

Posted : 3/21/2006 7:32:40 AM

I'm thinking that the cleaner is to be used AFTER the meds are all gone. Treat the infection first and then you'll be able to keep the ears clean.

Floppy eared dogs are more prone to ear infections...the cocker ears were a NITEMARE!! Because the ear covers the ear canal, you've got a nice dark, moist place for bacteria to flourish. With the cockers I kept the inside of the ears trimmed way back to make them lighter and I cleaned the ears a couple times a week.

SD isn't one of the better foods....too much "stuff" that I wouldn't want my dogs to eat. You might try one of the simpler formulas like Natural Balance potato and duck or California Natural. Those should be easier on her tummy because they are composed of far fewer ingredients.

Andra Footland

Posted : 3/21/2006 9:28:49 AM

Thanks all! Yes, the cleaner is for biweekly use definitely after the 10 days of medicine are up. And I don't have a photo of her up just yet, but besides being adorable, Bella does have floppy ears.

And about food, Science Diet really is not great? I've had such luck with it, and now am afraid to change her food, but like the idea of her being on the most healthy food possible. I might give Natural Balance a try. Thanks!

jessies_mom

Posted : 3/21/2006 9:05:02 PM

Welcome to i-dog andrea.[

] My vet always instructs me to give Jessie's ear a good cleaning before using the medicine.

willowchow

Posted : 3/22/2006 11:41:55 AM

I know I'm not with most people on this but if everything is going well on the food you're using, I'd stay with it. I have a dog with digestive issues and from my experience I ALWAYS end up going back to what worked in the first place. [sm=2cents.gif]

kaf

Posted : 3/22/2006 11:47:24 AM

I have never used the medicine or cleaner you are using... but I have always been told to clean then medicate. Maybe you should just double check with the vet.

Good luck!