How does your Vet place drops in infected ear of dog

andromedean

My dog is usually very good at the Vets, even with large injections and eye drops, but jerked away when a new Vet tried to examine his ears which were probably infected and blocked. They took him into the other room and placed a muzzle on him just in case. I'm not sure what happened but the Vet said she had considerable problems when the cold drops were inserted.

I asked why they hadn't warmed the drops before inserting them. The answer seemed like an excuse, first she thought it might numb the pain, second they can't be warmed (surely that happens anyway after a few seconds contact with the skin?).

I've been asked to take him into the waiting area a few times so he doesn't get stressed next time. Strangely enough my dog never seems stressed at all when coming in or out of the private area in which they carried out this procedure, and even pulls me into the waiting and examination rooms.

To add to the unpleasantness the same vet diagnosed a slight heart murmur which prevented her from anaesthetising him. A previous temp Vet also though she heard a murmur but then changed her mind.

I'm getting rather concerned about this Vet. Only a few weeks ago they accidentally instructed me to give him triple the recommended dose of a new monthly parasite cocktail. I thankfully checked with the manufacturers and they corrected the dose.

GBNI

If you're not happy with your vet, ask to see another or move practice if possible (get recommendations)


IME, most dogs HATE getting ear drops. And I can't blame them. Having suffered from ear infections myself, it is unpleasant to put ear drops in. Even my soft as butter Labrador would jerk away if you give her ear drops.


Have they given you a course od drops to give?

SensibleSarah

I've moved vets before because of a couple of small incidents which made me lose confidence in them. Much happier now with my current vet. Personally, I'd never let the vet take my dog into another room for something like ear drops without me going too!

I've only ever had to give ear drops to one dog and he was fine with it to be honest - but my current dog wouldn't be I'm sure. I hope I never have to find out! She used to need muzzling in the vets when I first got her (rescue dog who had been very poorly treated by owners previously) and she was very unhappy/scared when strangers tried to touch her and very growly. She's much better these days being as me and the vets shovel enough treats down her during visits to stop her from worrying too much - but if she had to be left there or seen without me then I'd muzzle her just to be safe.

andromedean

The vets wish to administer the drops, which I suppose is a good thing.

I have another vets in mind which is recommended, however my dog is on a payment scheme for parasite treatment. Is it easy and quick to change over to another vet along with his notes? My current Vets is nearer and I also like one of the vets, but she isn't always available.

This link which I can't fully post implies some drops can't be pre-warmed.

If the medication is refrigerated, you may be able to warm it up by placing the container in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes. Be sure to ask your veterinarian if this is acceptable before warming any medication.

vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/applying-ear-drops-to-dogs/420

GBNI

Do you know what drops they are? My vet has always sent drops home with the dog.


If possible, request the vet you want (I know not always possible in an emergency) I do this with one of my dogs as one particular vet knows her whole history, but I'm happy for the other vets (bar one) to see my other animals.


In regards to moving, I assume it would be a case of cancelling the payment plan and registering with the new ones. They may also run a similar plan. I'm not sure about moving history though...it's been that long from I changed vet and all mine had done was annual vacs (I had a record card anyway) and getting spayed.

Artytarty

Aw, I think yo are understandably stressed.
Of course your dog was difficult, with infected ears he would be in pain. The vet was only taking sensible precautions by muzzling him.
Also, what do you mean by the other comment? Would you rather the vet had missed or not mentioned hte murmur?
The best vet in our practice has many years of experience, he can be a bit too pessimistic for my liking but as a surgeon he's second to none.

teddysmum

My normally wimpy cavaliers will tolerate both ear and eye drops, with the latter really surprising me.


Were the drops administered after the murmur was mentioned, making you nervous and so passing this to your dog; dogs being very sensitive to your moods ?


I have had four cavaliers and all but Teddy, the youngest have had murmurs. Izzy had a very strong murmur (By the time I knew, as my old vet used to say 'good for a cavalier' which made me think he was ok) and did aged 9, but Monty had one from aged about 5 and lived to 14. Joly has a medium one, which he's had for about 5 years. It doesn't bother him and he is nearly 14, now.


One of our vets once told me that it isn't the murmur but the way a dog copes with it that matters. Monty coped very well and only had symptoms for his last 6 months.


The current drug of preference, Vetmedin, is very good if needed (when the dog is coughing or constantly breathless).


Incidentally, a vet thought he heard a murmur in Teddy,many yeas ago, but a colleague said he couldn't hear one and that some vets 'here things' because they expect to in certain breeds. Teddy is 13 and still heart clear.

andromedean

It's the inconsistency more than the murmur which bothers me. This particular business has a bit of a reputation for intervention and there's a whole set of tests which can be carried out for heart conditions. My guess is that he's OK, he can be very active at times, his favourite game is running around with lurchers or dashing around the house playing catch. It's also difficult to calm him down when he gets the scent of a deer or fox. He nibbles a lot of plants and earth so it's also possible that he ingests some toxins. Together with the ongoing infection these can result in a faint murmur. I may ask for another opinion at the other vets once the infection has disappeared.

I took him round on a dummy run yesterday on the advice of the vet so he didn't become adverse to the appointments. It was predictably a waste of time though. He pulled me in the door as usual. It is his favourite place since he meets new dogs and people and generally likes to be fussed about. However, he drew the line at having cold liquid thrust down his lughole and if he sees any of the implements or muzzle I guess we will get a repeat performance.

DigForVictory

Clearly dogs, vets & owners vary.
For some dogs, they may be calmer without their worried human. See https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5523323
as an example?
Of variation, not procedure.
All the best!

teddysmum

I wouldn't worry about a murmur until there are symptoms(ie coughing or breathlessness after minor exertion). Most vets will not medicate until symptoms show and if meds are needed , they are very effective, nowadays.