Inner ear infection

[JessicaR]

I feel like such a bad mom Dusty has an inner ear infection, and I didnt even know it.

Other than a lot of panting Dusty has been acting normal his ears look clean and no bad smell. Yesterday during training at 4H Dusty refused to lay down, he would just go half way down and then sit back up while shaking. I told my son something must be wrong because he never acts like that. He took him for a walk around the field, came back and everything was just fine. Because I was concerned I took him to the vets to find out he had an inner ear infection! I couldnt believe it. He didnt show any signs of an ear infection, no scratching, smelly discharge, clean ears. He is on antibiotics and ear drops for now. The vet said if it doesnt improve he may have to have his ear flushed!

How could he get an infection but show no signs?

 

[OntarioSheltie]

Don't feel bad, it could happen to any sheltie Mom.

So often they show no signs of pain until its really bad, there was probably no way you could have known.

Sadie' tends to get UTI's, but she never shows symptoms till its severe and she's feeling really bad.

Don't beat yourself up about it, you did the right thing in bringing her to a vet as soon as you thought there might be an issue.

 

[mbfrench]

Don't feel bad,I know only to well what it is like.Earnhardt is a dog that suffers terrible from ear issues. His last episode he did show signs of real discomfort,plus Trapp let us know Earnier was not well by his constant licking of Earnies head & ears.

I am sure with the drops & medication it will clear up.Having thier ears flushe is no fun thing,as I have witnessed it more than once,but your vet will be best to decide if it needs doing.I know Earnhardt felt much better after his last flushing.His ear was so infected,the vet said it was a wonder he still had hearing in the ear.

I hope he gets to feeling better soon.

 

[Emmasmom]

Noah had an ear infection once, and the only way I knew was his scratching at the ear. I was told that Shelties are very stoic dogs and do not show pain.

 

[Calliesmom]

Callie has had recurrent outer ear infections since I got her. Not long ago, she had an inner ear infection- everything was different than the regular infection. One meal she left her bowl without eating anything and wanted the pups bowls. Everyone eats the same so I took her back to her bowl which she eventually ate. not long after finishing her food, she had balance issues- trouble walking and getting on/off the couch. Vet diagnosed as inner ear- completely different meds- she showed improvement in just a few days.
so not long after that, another outer ear infection- she was checked out last Friday and everything was looking good.
Her ear carriage changes with an infection too- bad ear hangs lower than good ear.

so don't feel bad about missing the inner ear - it's not the same symptoms/smells as outer ear. It's good that you paid attention and noticed that something was wrong and got her to the vet.