Plucking

Question
I am a Vet assistant, but working in the field of pet grooming at this time. I see many dogs come in with ear problems, most of them are dogs that have hair in the ear. I sujested plucking the hair to alow  vetalatin. I also know that getting water in the inner ear can exsaperate the problem. My boss and co-workers said no, that plucking causes hymatoma in the ear. I do not know of this. is this true? And what is better to prevent ear infection by plucking? or not plucking? I personally believe plucking would be best. And how do I go about the problem of getting water in the ears of a dog that I highly suspect has an inner ear problem? I get introuble for not cleanning the ears well? I clean them the best I can without getting water in the ears.
Please help,
Concerned, New at pet groomer

Answer
Hello Coleen, First of all every vet has their own opinion.  And basically since I do not have a medical background I can only give you my opinion.  I have been grooming for 24 years and have found that plucking the hair out of the ears prevents ear infections.  Whenever I have had a dog with sensitive ears and they have a problem every time their ears are plucked, then I do not pluck their ears, I use a 40 blade and clip as much surface hair as possible.  This usually happens on dogs such as a bichon or any white coated pink skinned dog.  They seem to be the most sensitive.  Like when you shave a white poodles face with a 15 blade sometimes you have to go to a 10 so as not to cause irritation.  As far as plucking the hair causing a hymatoma, well I plucked a dogs ear once at a vets office and she let me look down the ear with an ear scope and yes it does cause it to be red and I guess in a sensitive dog it could cause some bleeding.  Again after 24 years I can tell you 90% of the dogs benefit from having the ears plucked and you will have customers that will tell you, my vet says for you to pluck the ears.  Determine each dog case by case, can they handle it or not.  Do it the first time and if no problems arise then continue.  Make a note of those who do have a problem.  Now as for not getting water in the ear canal.  Use cotton balls during the bath and then after the bath towel dry the outside of the ear as best you can.  As for cleaning the ear only use ear cleaner for dogs or alcohol on a cotton ball.  Never use water to clean the ears.  Ear cleaner and alcohol evaporates, water sticks around and causes moisture which can lead to problems.  Always let the owner know if you suspect an ear problem.  This way they wont blame you when a few days later they may notice the ear problem on their own.  Groomers always get blamed.  When you pluck the hair out look at it and notice if it is clean or if it has brown on the ends.  Let the owner know that way the owner will thank you instead of blaming you when they find it on their own.  Good luck, Cindy Lou :)