Dog Community

Painful Ear!

Posted : 8/20/2006 5:00:33 PM

It appears that Cyrus has scratched his ear hard enough to leave a small cut. It looks superficial, not bleeding profusely or anything. We have prevented him from scratching it any more today...I was just wondering if he needs to see the vet about it, or will it heal up on its own? I don't believe there is any infection; no smell, no mites, etc.

Thanks for the replies, in advance!

dvet

Posted : 8/20/2006 8:33:05 PM

anything on the ear should be checked, if for no other reason to get some meds or something to stop the scratching...because the scratching can aggrevate the situation and also lead to hematomas...

calliecritturs

Posted : 8/20/2006 10:09:11 PM

Yeah definitely -- likely there is an infection there (if not yeast, then it could be a bacterial one) that is causing pain and discomfort that caused the scratching. I'd have it looked at.

justine_lim

Posted : 8/21/2006 7:34:58 PM

Thanks for the replies.

He gets his vaccinations tomorrow, and I will definately take him in for the ear, as well.

calliecritturs

Posted : 8/21/2006 11:12:44 PM

I would NOT have vaccines done if there is any risk at all of infection. Ear first ... vacs only if there's no infection. Too hard on the immune system.

glenmar

Posted : 8/22/2006 7:25:45 AM

I have to DITTO Callie. I do my own vaccines other than rabies and the insert in the box clearly states to NOT vaccinate dogs that are not healthy. An ear infection counts as not healthy.

justine_lim

Posted : 8/22/2006 12:27:12 PM

Whew! Good thing I checked back here before heading out to the vet's. If there is an infection, I will make sure to reschedule the vaccinations. Thanks for the heads-up!