Does anyone know if it is sometimes appropriate to leave a dog's ear infection without antibiotic treatment? I know that with children, they tend to not be treated these days, but all the dog websites Ive visited have dire warnings about untreated ear infections.
My 2 year old, otherwise healthy dog has Otitis Externa and has been on apoquel for about a year.
During a medication review in early August, he had a swab taken as I explained that it was still bothering him.
He was prescribed Canesten ear drops while we waited for the lab results and his Apoquel dose was also increased.
This has worked, he is no longer scratching, head shaking, the scabs from scratching have healed, etc.
However, the lab results showed that he has Pantoea Agglomerans and lists antibiotic sensitivities. No yeasts were found.
I was so relieved that he was better, that I didn't question the lack of antibiotics until last week. I emailed the practice asking if the vet would be happy to dispense appropriate antibiotic ear drops in case the infection persists but the symptoms are masked by the increased Apoquel.
Today, the vet has responded.
"The bacterium that was isolated was thought to be an opportunistic one rather than a pathological/disease causing one. If he is doing well, then I would avoid antibiotics. The apoquel would certainly help with the irritation but it wouldn't mask a clinical infection.
If you are concerned with his progress, please make an appointment for his ear to be re-examined."
I'm not concerned with his progress, but want some reassurance that antibiotic ear drops aren't needed in all cases.
Thanks.