question on dogs ears

Question
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-----Question-----
Hi.  I have a 5 month old collie that I am planning to show.  His breeder asked me to tape his ears down to help them tip.  When I tried to take the tape off a couple of weeks ago, it did not come off easily and I ended up ripping some hair off of his ear leathers.  

It got red at first and now has turned bumpy and kind of crusty.  It is very tender/painful when I touch his ear now.  What could this be and how should I treat it?  Will go to vet in a few days, they can't get me in sooner.  Thanks!
-----Answer-----
Hi Karen :-)

Taping a Dogs ears down isn't a good idea hun because it will sometimes cause a reaction like the one you mentioned.

It's great you have made a Vet appointment because it sounds like he does need this investigating. It could be something simple like dry skin or even a fungal/bacterial infection that he may need Antibiotics for.

Meanwhile, go to your Pharmacist and purchase some Daktacort cream. You can purchase this cream from most Pharmacies. If you find it difficult to get hold of this cream, then ask the Pharmacist for cream for a fungal infection or even a yeast infection. And apply this to his ear 2/3 times a day and it should clear up the infection and irritation.

Also, to soothe the irritation, also purchase some Sudocrem Cream from the Pharmacist and this will soothe the redness and any discomfort your Dog may be feeling at the moment.

Good luck at the Vet and I've hoped I have helped you. Please leave me a comment and all the best to you.

Trisha x

Thanks for responding, Trisha.  I have not retaped the puppy's ears and do not plan to do so.  I feel so bad that I've caused him pain.

How does the vet decide if this is a fungal/yeast infection or bacterial?  Will they do skin scrapings?  

Will this most likely end up scarring pretty badly?  

Am going to the vet tomorrow and will talk to him about the meds you mentioned.

Thanks so much for your help!

Karen

Answer
Hi Karen :-)

Don't feel bad hun. It isn't your fault. The Groomer should of known better so please don't blame yourself.

The Vet can usually tell what type of infection they are dealing with my looking at the area or for a more clearer diagnosis they can do skin scrapings.

I really don't know if it will scar badly hun.It depends on how wide spread it is if it is a infection and how deeply in the skin it is.  The Vet will be able to tell you more about that

Take care and all the best and please leave me a comment.

Trisha x