Most ear infections in labs are yeast infections-brownish ear discharge and smells like a wet dog . Yeast infections are secondary infections 99.99% of the time. About 80% are secondary to atopy- hay fever. 20% secondary to food allergy. Food allergy is year round and in theory hay fever is seasonal. Since we know yeast infections are secondary we must concentrate on the primary allergy to decrease relapses. Hay fever in dogs-they lick their feet( 90% do this), scratch belly and sides, rub and scratch face, and have ear problems. Food allergy have recurrent gi issues and/or skin/ear problems. Many labs have both allergies. Management for hay fever-otc cetirizine(generic zyrtec) 2-3 tabs twice daily plus frequent baths or swimming to the percutaneous absoption of the offnding substance. For food I'll start with sensitive skin/stomach foods and proceed from there. If food is a concern make sure all treats and food are beef and dairy free. Hope this helps on why the problems come back after treatment. I go through this whole diatribe multiple times a day. Good luck!!
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