Strange Growth on Inside & Outside of Dog’s Ear

by | May 10, 2019 | Ask A Vet, Skin Issues | 0 comments

by Natali
(Las Vegas, NV)

Our dog Jaden started with this problem about 3 years ago – he had a strange growth on his ear. After many trips to the vet and finally a dermatologist specialist, they biopsied it and said it was just an allergic reaction to a bug bite.

After about a year on Tacrolimus ointment it seemed to get a little better. It never went away, it just wasn’t as big.

It has always been a blackish/dark grayish clump on his ear… However in the last month it’s gone out of control! It started oozing and crusting and growing larger.

We immediately took him to the vet where they put him on a steroid and antibiotic. It seemed to stop oozing while he was on it, but now it’s back to oozing and has spread THROUGH to the back side of his ear! The vet then put him on Pentoxifylline 3x a day.

We’re really concerned because they said it could take up to a month to improve his ear, but it seems to be spreading rapidly and taking over the entire top part of his ear. We’re to the point were wondering if cutting his ear off is our only option!!

Please, if you have an idea of what is going on and how to stop it we would really appreciate the help! He’s so miserable!! Thank you!

Comments for Strange Growth on Inside & Outside of Dog’s Ear

May 27, 2014My Online Vet Response For: Strange Growth on Inside & Outside of Dog’s Ear
by: Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

May 26, 2014

Hi Natali,
From the photos you submitted, it does not look like a typical ‘growth’. If it started 3 years ago, as an allergic reaction to a bug bite, and he has been unable to heal in that length of time, I suspect that his immune system may be weak. You did not mention any vaccination history. Sometimes the immune system is compromised after a vaccination is given. Could he have received a vaccine 3 years ago prior to this appearing on his ear?

From the photos, I cannot give you a diagnosis of what this could be. Hopefully, all of your previous vets and the dermatologist did a skin scraping for mites/mange, and a fungus culture for ‘ringworm’.

I can give you advice on boosting his immune system, with supplements and diet. And advise that you do NOT give him any more vaccinations, while he is ‘battling’ this problem.

1. Immune support:

1. Missing Link Canine Formula
2. Immuplex from Standard Process
3. OrthoMolecular Specialties, Mega C Powder

2. NO DRY dog food. He should be on a canned and/or RAW diet. See our page on 10 Best Dog Food Options, https://www.organic-pet-digest.com/10-best-dog-food-options.html.

3. Homeopathic remedies to consider: If this started after a vaccine 3 years ago, then Thuya 6C or 12C two times daily for three weeks would be indicated. If it is itchy and very red, then consider Sulphur 6C or 12C, two times daily for 3 weeks.

4. Topical ointment, such as Calendula to help speed healing would be helpful. Apply one to two times daily, for 3-6 weeks.

You might want to stop the ‘conventional’ treatment for now. Especially, since it does not seem to be helping. And follow the holistic suggestions above.

In the Las Vegas area there are several holistic veterinarians that you might consider consulting. (myself included!)

Dr JoAnne Stefanatos at the Animal Kingdom Vet Hospital
Dr Nancy Brandt at Natural Care Institute

Another resource for vets knowledgeable in homeopathy is AVH.org.

Please keep us posted by coming back to this page and clicking the ‘click here to add your own comments’ link below.

Take care,
Dr. Carol Jean Tillman

DISCLAIMER: The above should never replace the advice of your local veterinarian, as they have the ability to evaluate your dog in person.

Click here to go back to the Ask a Vet Online Library of questions.

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