My 10wk GSD

Question
Hey Dr Gotthelf,

    I have a healthy PB GSD who is current with all routine vaccinations and well puppy checks. 2 weeks ago went to the vet for 2nd pup shots an he also applied an advantage flea treatment.  About three days home I started noticing him scratching more and more, hes still awkward scratching still getting balance, etc..Then I noticed when he scratched near his ears he would whimper more and more...I noticed a fair amount of cakey ear wax toward the upper portion of canal and to me for a brand new pup concerned me, plus infection or foxtails etc...Go to vet, no clear reason for constant itching no hot spots or fleas found after a good exam and cytology, the was only a faint trace of yeast???? I got the ear rx and shampoo rx for itch and Its been two whole days and no real improvement or progression.  Could that wax really be caused by yeast? Why is he so itchy you think, any connection there? And finally is it dangerous?????

Answer
Many young pups itch because of a food allergy. Yeast is a secondary infection and itches like crazy.  Some pups also get sarcoptic mange and itch like that.  Ask your vet to treat the pup for sarcoptic mange even if they don't think that is what it is.