13/11/2025
🐾 Tackling a Tough Ear Infection with Care and Commitment
When Roman, a gentle four-year-old Rottweiler, came to see us, his owner was worried as he had been shaking his head, scratching constantly, and his ear had a strong, unpleasant smell. Despite previous treatments, nothing seemed to help—and Roman was clearly in discomfort.
🔍 Day 0: The First Signs
We began with a thorough examination and gentle ear cleaning, and cytology revealed rod-shaped bacteria, so we sent a swab for culture and sensitivity testing to identify the exact cause. While we waited for results, we focused on keeping Roman comfortable and reducing inflammation.
🧫 The Diagnosis: A Stubborn Bacteria
The lab confirmed *Pseudomonas aeruginosa*—a tough, antibiotic-resistant bacteria that often hides behind biofilms. We adjusted Roman’s treatment plan, introducing a specialised enzymatic ear solution to break down the biofilm and allow deeper cleaning.
💪 Signs of Progress
By the second week, Roman’s ear was less inflamed and the discharge had reduced. Now he was scratching less, more tail wags, and a brighter mood. We added a short course of anti-inflammatory medication and continued check-ins to monitor his recovery.
🌟 Week 4: Almost There
At his four-week review, Roman’s ear ca**l looked healthy. Cytology showed minimal bacteria, and he was clearly feeling much better. We began tapering his treatments and focused on long-term prevention and ear care at home.
🎉 Week 6: Happy, Healthy, and Healed
Roman was officially discharged from treatment. His ear was clear, and his sparkle was back. His owner was thrilled—and so were we. It was a team effort, and Roman was a star patient throughout.
💡 What This Means for You
- If your pet has a recurring ear infection, we’ll always dig deeper to find the cause.
- We use lab testing to guide treatment—not guesswork.
- Our team is trained to manage resistant infections with care, precision, and compassion.
If your dog is showing signs of ear discomfort—scratching, head shaking, or unusual smells—don’t wait. Early intervention makes all the difference!
📞 Winkleigh: 01837 83240
📞 Witheridge: 01884 860 236
🌐 westridgevets.co.uk