Ear issues? Maybe? Update and need expert advice!

[freemotion]

My half La Mancha doeling has little elf ears that flip back...I call them Spock ears. Today I noticed a bit of dirt on her cheek and reached out to brush it off and noticed crustiness on her teensy ear.

It was getting dark and the gate was completely broken and took priority....but what do I look for in the morning? She was not wanting me to touch her ears, but that is not unusual, and she is in a raging heat, so her patience is low. Her ear on the side I noticed first feels pretty crusty, and the other ear is less so, but still felt quite dirty. I saw no oozing of anything, and have never seen her scratch, rub, toss her head, or indicate discomfort in any other way. She is otherwise healthy, although she is one of two that I struggle with copper-wise. The other is her mother.

Any suggestions on cleaning the ears and what to look for if it is infection or mites? DH will clamp her neck between his knees in the bright sun tomorrow so I'll be able to do just about anything with her.

 

[SDGsoap&dairy]

If it's ear mites you'll see a greyish wax inside the ear. VetRx will clear that up if that's what it turns out to be.

 

[ksalvagno]

If it is mites, then when you clean the ear, it is like coffee grounds. If you don't have VetRx on hand, put some mineral oil down in her ears. The mineral oil will soothe the ears and it is my understanding that the mites can't breathe or something if they get covered.

 

[Mo's palominos]

If its yellow and crusty, my vet suggested baby wipes. Clean the outer ear and message around the ear to see if anything else comes out. He said it has to do with the small opening to the ear canal and the way the ear folds are. It seems to happen to Munchie ( our little la mancha wether ) more in the winter than in the summer. Not sure why? He also suggested an ear drying lotion. I think it's made by derma-pet. It seems to lengthen the time between ear cleanings. He doesn't like it, but he gets over it!

 

[freemotion]

Thanks, I can't wait to inspect her properly. I'll be back in the morning! Anyone else have input?

 

[helmstead]

If it is mites, then when you clean the ear, it is like coffee grounds. If you don't have VetRx on hand, put some mineral oil down in her ears. The mineral oil will soothe the ears and it is my understanding that the mites can't breathe or something if they get covered.

Actually, in goats for whatever reason, ear mites present as a greyish wax...not the black stuff you see in dogs and cats.

Vet Rx really does work wonders for ear mites.

 

[Ariel301]

My LaManchas get crusty ears too. They seem to put out a lot of ear wax. It's normal yellow wax though, nothing off color and they don't seem bothered. They never like their ears touched, they seem super sensitive compared to long eared goats. My neighbor's Manchas have lots of ear wax too. We just gently wash it off with warm water as needed. They hate it, so I have to put them in the milk stand.

I wonder if it runs in the breed...? I've never noticed ear wax on any other breeds.

 

[SDGsoap&dairy]

Yeah, the greyish stuff is unmistakeable. We had a kid get them once and the VetRx cleared it right up.

 

[coso]

I smell mine. I know thats gross but if it is just earwax I wipe out with a wet wipe, pour a little peroxide down it. They will sling it out. If it is infected I have used Today and use a little in the ear. My .02.

 

[Emmetts Dairy]

Vet rx does work well! I concur!