Anethesia Reaction

Question
We are Min Pin owners and recently had his ears cropped.  The Veterinarian that did the procedure is well-known and very reparable.  Before the procedure our dog had to be put to sleep using anestetic.  1 week into the healing process we noticed a really nasty sore forming on the area where the anestetic was applied.  We didn't know what it was at first.  Upon taking him back for his first check up, we showed it to the Vet.  They then informed us that it was a reaction to the anestetic when some gets on the outside of the skin.  I guess our question is, is this normal or not a common situation?  4 weeks have gone by and it appears it's not getting any better.

Answer
That is very unusual. Some of the intravenous barbiturate anesthetics can cause some tissue damage if it gets into the surrounding tissues. Normally, we do not use a local anesthetic to trim ears.  The only thing in a local anesthetic that may cause this is epinephrine, which closes off the blood vessels so the anesthetic lasts longer.   These eventually do heal.