Quote:
Originally Posted by PugsleysMom
any thoughts on whether this could be something other than a food allergy.
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I agree with you that allergies, food or environmental, are classically bilateral ear infections and not just one side. However not all pugs read the medical books! So, yes, I think your veterinarian is right that food allergies
could be the cause. Your veterinarian does not know if food allergies is or isn't but knows that it is a possibility for the cause to a chronic ear infection. 70% of chronic ear infections are allergy related.
Another option, and possibly the course of action your veterinarian might recommend after the food trial, is to have your pet evaluated by a board certified dermatologist. They can look for the causes of chronic or persistent ear infections other than food allergy such as middle or inner ear infections, persistent and resistant infections, polyps, environmental allergies, immune mediated disorders, etc...
There are other less expensive options however, to find out the answer as quickly and directly as possible then a food trial or going straight to a dermatologist would be optimum. Other options include repeat ear swab cytology, ear cultures, additional antibiotic trials, steroid trials, anesthesia with bulla radiography, etc.. In the long run these
sometimes can be as costly as a dermatologist, but sometimes we are fortunate and can get the ear infection solved with additional empirical antibiotic trials as well. I hope this helps. Chronic ear infections can be really frustrating sometimes.
