My dog has had ear problems on and off for a few years. Problems are usually itching, hanging ear on one side etc. I have been to the vert many times and been given ear drops which work in the short term. I also once asked about using Thornit and he said that that mainly treats mites and could cause build up as she doesnt have mites, although she has in the past.

The mentioned getting an operation which included making holes at the side of her head or something?!?

I cannot remember what it was called. Has anyone had this op or been recommended it? I just dont know what to do. I dont really fancy getting an operation as I cannot seeing that work. He said her ear canals were slighly narrow at one side so that is where he wanted to put the hole. Just on one side even though her ear problems change ear regulary.

Please, please give me some advice :(

http://www.bowchow.com/specific.html

The information on this link may help you.

regards

I will take a look thank you

Any other advice and should I give thornit a go?

Hi,
my dog is having the operation to widen her ear canal tommorow, so i will let you know how it goes.
The vet says not to worry but she is my baby, i will be on tenderhooks all day.

I hope it goes well, and yes please let me know how it goes and what the ear looks like if you dont mind. :)

I actually think that the operation that my vet was talking about was not the same as yours. They were not widening the canal but making a hole so that there was not use for the canal.

Hi Heather sorry to hear about your dogs ear problems and yes I sympathise with you and your dog because I have got a cocker -scoobie who had the operation( that I think you mean )and personally if I knew what I know now I would never have put him through the operation..you say your thinking about using thornit have you got some? If I was you I would at least give it a try vets don't recommend thornit because it isn't licensed and yet it's been used for years by breeders etc apparently thornit was used in the days before antibiotics if you try www.championpets.co.uk they will give you all the info you need.
with scoobie I started looking at what was causing his ear infections because even after having both his ears operated on he still had the nasty ear infections so I started looking at his diet I stopped feeding commercial and changed (cold turkey )to raw feeding plus supplements and cutting out grains if you look at the other threads about feeding tohme has written some excellent stuff (he's one of us and not a writer of books!) I can't and wont tell you what to do heather but you wanted advice and I wish I knew about thornit and champsdog forum before I put him through it
whatever you decide I wish you both all the best
Edith

I am sorry to hear about your dog. I think I will give thornit a go, but it could be a allergy which would be difficult as my dog only eats semi moist foods.

thank you for your advice.

Has anyone else got any experience of this?

A westie of mine had this operation due to thickening of the ears caused by the pair of them licking each others ears. Its a bit of a messy op I believe but the result was worth it she could hear again and we maintain she had a new lease of life. Like everything else what works for one might not for the other. The only thing was a westies ears prick up and after the op the ears didnt prick they were like they were broken and when she ran the ears used to flap. I would have it done again if needed for the westie I have left This is just my opinion

Jean

The thing is that the vet isnt too sure what the problem is. Whether it is an allergy, mites or anything else. It is just strange that it comes and goes so often. I just do not know what to do :(

Well if the vets not sure I think I would be asking Why they mention surgery and if they think its allergy related should they not do a test to find out whats what

Jean

Exactly, they do not know what it is. They said it could be just mites or an allergy. If they do not know what it is, they shouln't really recommend surgery should they?

Should I give thornit a go?

Sorry cant answer on Thornit I only use whatever the vet prescribes for my dogs. If you are unsure about things a visit back to the vet might be the answer

Jean

I had Ned to the vets his ears were really sore the vet said it was ear mites and the ear was infected they had to sedate him to clean them and look down anyway I have  used thornit in the past but the vet said not to use it.After struggling trying to get drops in I reverted to thornit as he didnt mind that being put in He went today to check up and I mentioned Id used thornit and she (different vet) said his ears were clear yet the other vet said he would have ear problems  on and off for years I would recommend  you try thornit before resorting to surgery which is drastic and often has to be done again its  the last resort in my opinion.

I have been to the vet and she said it could be eczema. I asked about allergy testing and she said it will cost £200 but even if it is an allergy they may not be able to help it.