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Carla
Thu, Aug 29, 2024
Skin
Excessive itching
Redness
Scabbing

Gigi scratches a lot at her ears and mouth area I don’t see any fleas so I think it may be fungus maybe


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Dr. Balsama
Dr.Tail Vet

It sounds like Gigi is experiencing quite a bit of discomfort with her symptoms of excessive itching, redness, and scabbing around her ears. These signs could be attributed to various factors, including allergies, ear infections, or even a fungal infection. Since you've ruled out fleas, it's wise to consider other possibilities.

To start, I recommend checking Gigi's ears for any signs of excessive wax, redness, swelling, or an unusual odor, as these could indicate an ear infection. It's crucial to keep her ears clean and dry. You can gently clean her ears using a pet-safe ear cleaner, but be careful not to use cotton swabs inside the ear canal, as this can cause further irritation or damage.

If you suspect a fungal infection, you might notice a musty odor or a greasy feel to her skin. While over-the-counter antifungal sprays can sometimes be helpful, they may not be sufficient if the infection is severe.

To help alleviate her discomfort at home, you can try a few measures:
- Keep her ears clean and dry.
- Apply a pet-safe moisturizing cream or lotion to the affected areas to soothe her skin.
- Ensure she has a cool, calm environment to rest in.
- Consider using an e-collar to prevent her from scratching and causing further irritation.

However, given that these symptoms have persisted for five days, it would be best to have Gigi examined by a veterinarian. They can perform tests such as skin scrapings or ear swabs to determine the exact cause and provide the appropriate treatment, which may include medicated ear drops, antifungal treatments, or antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present.

If you have any further questions or need additional assistance, please don't hesitate to ask. Thank you.