Ear Surgery?

Hi guys,

Our Basil has caught another ear infection, first one for 6 to 9 months, but be had it 3 or 4 times as a pup.

Our new vet seems very keen to operate on both ears. I think it involved shortening the ear canal. The op is Extreme, he will have face shaved and a massive wound with stitches, and a plastic hood. One ear at a time.

I want a 2nd opinion as I don't feel strong enough to put Basil through it...

Gutted

Gary.

My first cavalier had ear ablation surgery. Is this what your vet is suggesting? If so, I would exhaust all other avenues first!

Get a second because the surgery had to be done with teddy because he was hemoraging in his ears from his siezures. It was awful.

Yes,

Ear ablation is his idea, to both ears too. It sounds horrific

Gary.

Hi Gary,
Autumn (my first cavalier) had this surgery. If I had known what it entailed, I NEVER would have had it done! The vet made it sound as though it would solve all her problems. :swear:After the surgery there is no opening under the ears. This will leave your dog deaf. Also, if another infection happens (as in Autumns case)there is no way to treat it without more surgery. Autumns head swelled up like a balloon. We had to put our 7 year old pet to sleep because of this. I will never forgive myself for thinking it would help her.
I could go on forever on this, if you need to talk about it let me know.
Please get another opinion, and another.....

I went on a rant here (your other thread about your poor pets ears) ---> http://www.board.cavaliertalk.com/showthread.php?t=30179

Hope it is of some help

I'll say it again here:

I feel for both of you! :hug:

I would go to a veterinary dermatologist for a second opinion. Ears seem to be within that specialty. Try a veterinary college at a university.

If surgery is needed, I would have an experienced specialist do it.

Our India had yeast infected ears for a long time, even with regular cleaning and medicated ear drops, and finally we took her to a veterinary dermatologist who diagnosed food allergies. We have India eating a venison diet, and she is infection free for over a year.