Anyone had a dog with untreatable ear infection?

My lovely Ava(Golden Retriever) has suffered from ear infections many times in her 8 years, but this one that she has had for a couple of months is untreatable - Had swabs taken at Vet over a weeks ago & the Vet rang to say they have NO Anti Biotic that is resitant to this..................
Worst case scenario PTS!

I have been looking Online for help...............

well personally I would change my vet , get a second opinion or ask for a referral to the vet hospital specialist.

I should add the Vet advised me to be careful when cleaning her ears for my Healths sake too & also if I have young children or Elderly visitors

Does your vet think this might be MRSA?

Dawn R.

I feel so sorry for you.  You just don't want to contemplate putting a dog to sleep for ear problems!

Agree with starryeyes though, try another vet and ask for referral if you don't get anywhere.  Good Luck.

It is Pseudamonus...........as I said the swabs taken from Ava's ears came back with a report that the Vet explained no anti biotocs would have any effect.

A bit stunned at the moment, to say the least, hence searching online.

Take onboard you advise re 2nd Opinion/ Referral

Definatly second opinion time.  there are sometimes antibitics that are for humans that can be used for resistent bugs.  other issue is surgery a possible for unfixable ear conditions- literally take out infected area and close off ear cannal. a serious opp - saw it done on an animal programe on tv long while back-leaves dog deaf in that ear but pain free.

Has an aural resection not been discussed?

have they mentioned doing a total ear canal ablation?

Have you tried Manuka honey to be given to the dog (and not put down the ears)?
May be worth a try!

We have just successfully had a field spaniel treated for psuedamonus infection in BOTH ears. Vet had been treating with little effect so asked for swabs, on result got referral to specialist. Infection had cause rupture to the ear drums with associated hearing loss BUT this boy is now fully recovered after surgical treatment, systemic steriods and topical AB's (gentamycin) made up specially by the vet specialist.

He has a check up tomorrow but we are expecting him t be discharged ... I would recommend you seek a specialist referral before doing anything drastic.

K

agree with KLB and if you need to... copy her comments and ask vet what answers he has for her dogs reatment and results.

You will need to go back to him for a referral do some investigating on vet hosp in your area or even if you have to travel .

My Rotties has had aural resection due to psuedomonas, we battled with antib's for 2years, before deciding to operate, he is fine and no more problems with his ears, he's 10 now.
I would have tried anything, but was losing the battle with steriods, antib's, hence decing to get him operated on, which i had done it sooner!!

Thank you for all you advice/comments/experiences..............

Am awaiting my OH to come Home on Wednesday & then will have discussion with Vet(notes in hand).  Our other worry is any possible GA she reacted badly last time & unfortunately/practically the Cost.

Bear with me - thank you again

well pseudomonas can be treated with antibiotics in people why is it different for a dog?

A link although relating mainly to humans should be the same for dogs.  Pseudomonas is renowned for being resistant to many antibiotics.

http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/970904-overview

Hello Sweep. Colloidal Silver. I keep advocating this for loads of things. However heres a link to the university of texas....
http://www.silvermedicine.org/colloidalsilverstudytexas.html
I just googled pseudomonas coloidal siver and got a load of results. Its not that expensive although the health shop silver is quite weak. I make my own. (not dangerous if you understand the mechanics of it) Its also totally safe if using topically. It could be worth a try. My daughters staff bull terrier cross ridgeback (I dont know how they achieved that) has just had a very stubborn ear infection cleared with this. The university of texas said the population of pseudomonas of 10 million went down to nothing in 4 minutes.

I wouldnt use silver with anti biotics as it kills them also.

Hi we are in the NW so probably the vets fees are a little lower than down inteh south but total as a guide for you our costs for our boy is approx £1200  - this is for 5mths of treatment under the specialist, 2 light GA for deep visulaisation ear canal with fibre-optic equip, wash outs, swabs/cultures, medications and 3 specialist consulations.  He has had the all clear today ... Yippee !!!

K 

My dog had the same last May and has been ill since, in December she was diagnosed with MRSA. Please google the Bellamoss foundation, Jill lost her dog to MRSA a few years ago and she now helps others. She works in conjunction with the RVC vets and they will help your vet free of charge.
Jill is a big support too and rings for updates or just to say how are you, she has been there and suffered too with no one to turn to, she really does care. Email me privately if you can't find her details.

Sometimes, we have to bear the pain of loss, to save our pets having to suffer. Think long and hard.