GWP ear problem

jonny.c

Well-Known Member

• Apr 8, 2026

• #1

Good Evening all so have a 5 year old GWP bitch and for the last year she has had a very discharge ear and after vet flushes and meds and more flushes ear drops £thousands later yet still the same after 2/3 months returns. I need some old school advise on trying to treat this with out selling all my rifles to pay a vet bill as I have tried different vets ect ect and my poor pip is head shaking again!! Anyone use anything old school!! This is really doing my head and my dogs should you say.

Many Thanks
Jon

 

Pedro

Well-Known Member

Supporter

• Apr 8, 2026

• #2

Possibly try another vets if the current ones haven't come up with the solution. I'm no great expert by any means, but I wonder if it's diet related. Just a random thought. I'm a Lab person, but a couple of my dogs have suffered too in the past and my current one is no different. And, much like you, prescription meds cure it, but months later it comes back. I feel your frustration!

 

B

Buchan

Well-Known Member

Veterinarian

• Apr 9, 2026

• #3

Many ear problems are related to wider skin problems. If she's had a full exam under anaesthetic to rule out a foreign body like a grass seed, I'd be tending towards an allergic type response - atopy. This can have a variety of causes and cane difficult to treat. Start with excellent flea control - that means all animals in the home and the home being treated too. Excellent means the vet stuff, not supermarket!
Is it all year, or seasonal? If the latter, that could mean it's, for example, pollen. You may have to rely on steroids for short term control for this. Food allergens can cause problems, but it's rarer than most folk think and needs a food trial to establish. Bloods for food allergies are ineffective.

As you've already found out, it's complex and expensive and you have my sympathies, it's not an easy one. And just when you think you've got it under control, she gets another grass seed in the ear.

 

S

SirLoin

Active Member

• Apr 10, 2026

• #4

I would consider changing diet, Ive got GSP who had constant ear problems, flushes and drops were masking the problem. I started with eliminating all chicken produce and it solved the ear problems 95%. Still keep on top of keeping her ears clean but it is now much more of a preventative measure rather than trying to cure. This may or may not work for your dog but its got to be worth a go

 

Jon P

Well-Known Member

• Apr 10, 2026

• #5

Had an issue for a while with my GWP, thing looked like it was going to die- bad ears- swollen face/ eyes, lethargic, think it was tree pollen. Issues stopped when neighbours cut down the red alder that was over hanging the kennels. Hope you find the solution to yours

 

jonny.c

Well-Known Member

• Apr 12, 2026

• #6

Thanks people for all reply’s & pms think the first thing we are going to try is diet for a month or two and see what happens!!!! wish us luck

 

B

Buchan

Well-Known Member

Veterinarian

• Apr 12, 2026

• #7

jonny.c said:

Thanks people for all reply’s & pms think the first thing we are going to try is diet for a month or two and see what happens!!!! wish us

Click to expand...

Not only do you need to do a set period without the suspect ingredient, but to be certain that it is “ingredient x”, you have to reintroduce “ingredient x” and see if the symptoms recur.

 

trucraft

Well-Known Member

• Monday at 9:41 AM

• #8

I had problems with my GWP as a pup. Constantly scratching her ears to the point that she was in serious discomfort.
But also wouldn’t allow you to get anywhere nearer and apply drops.
I did a bit of research and found out that high chicken diet Can lead to it.
Which was exactly what I was giving her at the time, a lot of raw chicken.
I dropped the chicken down to less than 10% of her diet and it cleared up within a fortnight

 

jonny.c

Well-Known Member

• Monday at 3:38 PM

• #9

Thanks for your reply

 

Bonzo dog

Well-Known Member

• Monday at 7:54 PM

• #10

I have a very similar problem with my 5yr old lab. He's currently fed on a raw chicken food, will change it over to turkey and see if that makes a difference