Golden retriever brown ear discharge: Is it infection or just wax?

With that amount of dirt and wax from his ears, it is possible it is ear mites, a bacterial or yeast infection, or just dirt. If there is an odor, any redness or he is shaking or scratching his head, then I would get his ears checked to make sure. The scab may be a pustules from a bite. If it is the only one, then you can apply some cortisone cream and alternate it with Neosporin. If it does not improve over the next 2 days, then it will need to be checked by your regular vet.

Hi, thanks for using PetCoach! Poor Boo! The most common reason for extra moisture and wax build up in the ear is an ear infection. Ear infections are caused by bacteria and/or yeast build up which can be from allergies or just extra moisture. Ideally Boo should see your Vet to have the cause identified and appropriate drops prescribed to get rid of the infection. Ear infections are treated topically in dogs and cats. You can try this ear cleaner. I would clean out the ear every other day for 2 weeks. If there is no improvement or he worsens he should see your Vet. I also attached a video on how to clean the ears. I hope this helps and I wish Boo the very best! https://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=24165 https://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?dept_id=&aid=165

Go to the pet store and get some routine ear cleaner for dogs. Clean his ears every day and try to get out as much of the waxy debris as possible. This will not clear out the infection but it will help to keep the number of infectious pathogens lower and should bring him some comfort. Don't put anything else in Max's ears. Start him on an oral omega 3 fatty acid supplement for dogs as well, this will act as a natural anti-inflammatory. Lastly, speak with your veterinarian about a food trial to rule out allergies (although Goldens do seem to be prone to infection). Also ask about keeping a medicated cleaner on hand to use on a weekly basis. The medicated cleaners can change the pH of the ears over time and this can help to prevent infections as well. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

It may be discharge associated with an ear infection (bacterial or fungal) or it may be a waxy discharge which is normal. To diagnose infection, have Grock physically examined by your veterinarian. Swabs of the war can be examined in the clinic to diagnose infection. Your vet can then dispense medication and an ear cleaner if indicated.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely due to an ear infection. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Your veterinarian would be able to check what type of infection is present and treat accordingly. Usually this resolves with topical therapy. Good luck and have a good night!

Poor pup! That does look quite suspicious for an ear infection, since normal ears should be very clean with no obvious wax or debris in the ear canal. I would recommend taking him to the vet to have this checked out. Your veterinarian can examine a sample of the debris under the microscope to determine what kind of infection is present (yeast, bacteria, etc.), and will prescribe appropriate medication to treat it depending on what is found.

Poor Roadie! Dark-colored waxy debris and redness in the ear canal are both common signs of an ear infection. Roadie will need prescription ear meds from your veterinarian to treat this, so I would recommend taking him in today for an exam. In the meantime, if using the cleaning solution seems to make the ear more irritated, I would just leave it alone until you're able to see the vet.