3 yr. old lab/retriever chronic ear wound

Question
I have 2 littermates (Boy is Chip, Girl is Misty) who I've had since they were 6 weeks old and they turn 3 on 11/01/10. Everyone said I was NUTS to get 2 lab/retriever pups but they are the absolute loves of my life. Chip (laid-back %26 mellow# has never had any medical issues while his sister, Misty, is the high-strung life-of-the-party type and has numerous mishaps #hit by a car, cuts requiring stitches, etc.# requiring vet visits and overnight stays. Several months ago she had a hematoma on her ear that had to be drained and stitched. It healed fine except for the top frontmost part of her ear that looked as though it was almost healed then she'd open it up again from scratching an occasional flea #or whatever). When we asked the vet he said it could be skin cancer and wanted to remove it. She has just been through SOOOO much in her short 3 years that I hate to put her through a surgery unless it's ABSOLUTELY necessary. Epilepsy is a new problem but can't be treated until I can video her next seizure for the vet. I could go on and on.... Anyway, I was just curious if anyone else has had issues with a chronic ear wound and if there are other options besides surgery. Thank you SOOOO much in advance for any help/suggestions offered.

Answer
Unfortunately, I don't have any experience with chronic ear wounds.  If the wound doesn't heal well, she may also have some underlying immune issues that keep her from healing fast.  One of mine had an ear injury and it was healed in 2 weeks completely.

There are several labrador boards you might want to check out with more folks that have experienced all sorts of issues.


www.justlabradors.com
www.lab-retriever.net