Indianapolis IN 7/29/2011 – Veterinarian Gregory Magnusson of Leo’s Pet Care an Indianapolis Veterinary Hospital explains Over 90% of dogs ear infections are caused by a YEAST INFECTION and not by ear mite infestation.

Yeast enjoy the warm, moist environment of the dog ear, and treatment of most dogs ear infections is aimed at not only killing the yeast, but by making the environment of the ear less hospitable to yeast growth. We accomplish this by REPEATED application of a drying, acidifying ear cleanser, several times a week until the ear infection is clear.

“Every month, we see literally dozens of dogs with ear infections, and in 11 years in practice, I can count the number of dogs that have had an ear mite on two hands.” Says Dr. Magnusson. Along with a prescribed anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial ointment to instill in the ear after you have flushed the ear with cleanser, to clear up remaining yeast and reduce inflammation, is recommended but ear ointment is not the primary treatment of ear infections in dogs.

“Treatment of most dogs ear infections does not involve just a fancy prescription ointment, but rather ongoing maintenance of the healthy ear canal by the dog owner.” According to Dr. Magnusson “If you’re treating your dogs ear infections properly, you’re supposed to run out of ear cleaner before you run out of ointment, because you’re cleaning the ears all the time. Especially during allergy season.”

Here is our usual treatment protocol for most dogs ear infections:

INSPECTION
-If your dog has floppy ears, gently lift up the ear flap to expose the inside of the ear.
-Try to hold the dog’s head in a position that will allow the cleaning solution to flow downward into the ear canal. - Visually examine the ear, and wipe away any loose dirt and residue from just inside the ear.

CLEANING
- Squeeze ear cleaning solution into the ear, filling the ear canal. You can’t use too much.
- Put one finger in front of and at the base of the earflap, and put your thumb behind and at the base.
- Massage the ear canal between your finger and thumb. A squishing sound tells you that the medication has gone into the horizontal canal.
- Insert a cotton ball into the ear canal and soak up stinky brown ear wax-laden excess liquid from deep within the canal.
- Repeat flushing as necessary, replacing saturated or soiled cotton with new, until the ear is dry and clean.
- Wipe any residue from the inside of the ear flap.
- Discard all used cotton. Never re-use anything from one ear on the other.

MEDICATING
- Administer any prescribed medication, as directed.
- Repeat on other ear. - Give your good dog a hug and a healthy treat.

“For dogs with a history of recurrent ear problems, weekly cleaning may be necessary. Weekly ear inspections and prompt Veterinary treatment at the first sign of infection are essential.” According to Dr. Magnusson “Thorough cleaning and drying of the ear canal is necessary whether the cause of your dogs ear infections is an ear mite or a yeast infection.” Don’t wait until your dog is in pain or struggling with ears that won’t stop itching, visit your veterinarian sooner rather than later!

Dr. Magnusson is a 2000 graduate of the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada. After 10 years in practice working for other veterinarians around Indianapolis, he is excited to offer his services one-on-one to the residents of Indianapolis. Dr. Magnusson’s approach to veterinary medicine is honest, kind and direct.

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