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My dog's ear infection isn't gone after vet treatment. What now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 13 years and 2 months old | 78.1 lbs

My dog has been shaking her head, rubbing her ear on the ground, pawing at her ear, and occasionally groaning. The vet took swabs, looked inside her ear under sedation, and said there were two strains of yeast but nothing concerning enough to treat. We went back to the vet after a few days she looked inside/took swabs again, stating yeast, cocci bacteria, and swelling were present and gave us surolan drops BID for 5 days. The course is finished and she seems no better. Any other ideas?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 7th, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The medication has an antibiotic and an antifungal in it. If it didn’t help the infection, she may have a bacteria that is resistant to the antibiotic. I recommend taking her back to the vet for a culture of the bacteria in her ear to determine what medication will treat it. Good luck and kisses to Bailey!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA
Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer
Published on June 25th, 2017
Poor Bailey! I'm sorry to hear that she's having this problem. It does sound like she probably has an ear infection of some kind, from what you describe. Unfortunately, I'm afraid there is nothing you can get over the counter that will be helpful - ear infections require prescription medication to treat effectively, so there's really no way around taking her to the vet.

I would recommend calling and talking with the vet before bringing her in, to make a plan for the best way to have her seen with minimal stress. It sounds like she may need to be sedated in order for the vet to examine her and clean and medicate her ears safely - this can be done easily with a quick injection in most cases. Once she is asleep, the vet can do a thorough exam, clean her ears, and apply medication to treat the infection.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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