EAR PROBLEMS in dogs
Even though the following article is not homoeopathically based, I thought it would be of interest to anyone with an animal with long ears – as they seem very prone to ear infections and it is something that all owners can do themselves. The information was published in September 2000 Canine Health Concern magazine. It was written by Helen L. McKinnon, author of ‘Its for the Animals! Natural Care & Resources’ P.O. Box 1913, Fairview NC 28730 email: ItsForTheAnimals@aol.com. If problems persist, consult your health care professional.
I had trouble getting Gentian Violet in Australia – it is now classified as an S4 poison (due to mothers successfully using it in babies mouths for thrush treatment) You may have some in your medicine cabinet or have a friendly pharmacist who has some out the back. I purchased my stock when I was studying in India.
Cheers, Andrea
Following the old adage, ‘an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’, it is very important to address the actual cause of the ear problem, not just treat the symptoms (i.e. ear infections). Look at whether or not the diet is natural/unprocessed and the animal is chemical free.
The Blue Power Ear Treatment has been used successfully and is very effective when used as instructed. Some folk utilize other formulas for the ears too, and just a reminder – that if using Tea Tree oil, it should always be very diluted in another oil such as olive oil and not used on cats because it can be toxic to them.
The Blue Power Ear Treatment was handed down from a wonderful veterinarian, now deceased. Many have found it also effective for cuts, fungus between toes and small tumor-like cysts. The treatment MUST be done faithfully as instructed. Avoid the “shock” of cold solution, as the ears are very sensitive, so your dog will appreciate having it warmed up a bit. I have found that the best way to warm up a solution is to place it in a cup or glass of hot water for about half an hour or so.
BLUE POWER EAR TREATMENT INGREDIENTS:
16oz Isopropyl Alcohol
4 tablespoons Boric Acid Powder
20 drops Gentian Violent solution 1%
Mix together in an alcohol bottle and shake well
(I decant a small amount into a plastic bottle with a nozzle, so I can easily warm and dispense it. AB)
DIRECTIONS:
Evaluate condition of ears before treating and if very inflamed and sore, do not attempt to pull hair or clean out ear at all. Just flush and then wait until inflammation has subsided, which will be in about 2 days.
Warm the solution and shake the bottle each time before using. Flood the ear with solution (if transferred to plastic bottle, gently squirt bottle).
Massage gently to the count of 60, wipe with tissue.
On first treatment:
Flood the ear twice, wipe with a tissue and leave alone without massage. The dog will shake out the excess, which can be wiped with a tissue.
Note: the Gentian Violet does stain fabrics.
SCHEDULE:
Treat 2 x daily for the first 1 – 2 weeks, depending upon severity of ears.
After 2nd or 3rd day you can clean out the ear with a cotton-bud or cotton ball.
Caution: When using a cotton-bud, only insert as far into the ear canal as you can actually see. Use care to prevent the gunk from falling down into the ear canal.
Treat 1 x day for the next 1-2 weeks
Treat 1 x month (or even less frequently, depending on the dog)
Users of Blue Power Ear Treatment have found that despite the alcohol, the dog will not object to even the first treatment. The Boric Acid Powder soothes the ears. The Gentian Violet solution is an anti-infection agent, as it is a dye mixture that acts as a bactericide, fungicide and anthelmintic (destroys worms). Remember, gentian violet will stain fur, clothing etc.
The Blue Power Ear Treatment appears to work well on any and all problems from mites to wax to canker. The success rate for this treatment is said to be 95-99%. Those who do not succeed have usually not done the treatment long enough or have not been regular about it.
If an infection seems to remain in the treated ear after the above course of treatment, there may also be some Pseudomonas Bacteria in the site. This can be eradicated by using a gentle flush of raw apple cider vinegar and water (warmed) 2 x weekly. Use 2 tablespoons of vinegar to one cup of water.
(If the infection seems very stubborn I add the 2 tablespoons of raw apple cider vinegar to the original ingredients. AB)
Remember, it is for external use only, and be careful not to get any into the eyes.
After your dog’s ears are looking normal for a while, it really would be a good idea to find out what is actually causing the ear problem. As mentioned, back when I was feeding commercial food, my dogs and cats ears had quite a bit of the ‘black gunk’ in them. More than 20 years ago I had been told by my holistic vet, Richard Kearns DVM, that this was one of the body’s ways of detoxifying itself. Sure enough, after being fed only fresh food for a few months, that ‘black gunk’ virtually disappeared.
Also it has been my experience, and that of many others, to notice a favorable improvement in their dog’s and cat’s ears and overall health, when the following three supplements are added to the diet. These nutritional supplements are just added to the food and are excellent for us too!
•Probiotics.
This is commonly referred to as intestinal flora ‘normalizes’. Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Acidophilus and Bifidus. These are friendly bacteria found in a healthy intestinal tract, which are crucial for good health and proper absorption of nutrients. According to a recent study, only 2 out of 13 products had what their label claimed in viable friendly bacteria. So, I buy only refrigerated brands, either powder or capsules and rotate the strain.
•Digestive Enzymes
To my knowledge, in America, Prozyme Digestive Enzyme* formula is the only digestive enzyme product with peer-review scientific studies to prove that it increases the absorption of vital nutrients (up to 71% increase), including EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids). I also add Pancreatin (any brand). (*I am sure we have good brands available in Australia now. AB)
•Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
Many years ago I was researching a problem that my husband had: excessive wax buildup. It turns out that ear wax accumulation is a symptom of a deficiency of EPAs. These types of good fats are critically important to our health as well as our animals, and must be provided in the diet.
