Link Between Chronic Ear Infections And Kidney Failure

[Willota]

Hi all, I am currently studying several canine-related courses thru CASI, and as such I read a lot of material, both online and off. Some months ago I read SOMEWHERE about dogs that suffer chronic ear infections also being prone to kidney failure in later life.

My rescued mal suffered chronic ear infections the entire 6.5 years she was with me, and eventually did suffer renal failure. I have met a lady with a dog that's from the same breeder my rescue is believed to have come from whose mal also suffered renal failure and had suffered chronic ear infections her entire life too.

So I'm desperately trying to locate any literature that mentions a possible link between chronic ear infections and kidney disease and/or failure. I'm hoping you guys can help? Please give me links to anything u can find online as I'm struggling if u find something in hard copy pls let me know the title and author or contact me if u can scan it to me

Thanks so much! This is really important, and could save lots of rescue dogs from this same "breeder"

[Erny]

My girlfriend suffered badly with very painful ear and ear aches for years. They were treated as ear infections for a long while ..... until she ended up at Monash Hospital with diagnosed gall bladder issues. At the hospital, exclamation was made that so many times, the symptom of ear infections (particularly those that are chronic) was not connected with liver issue and (I think) gall bladder issue.

The body can get a heap of things such as flu, ear ache, eye infections - all because the liver is sick. The body's reflex is to prioritise the needs of a 'vital organ' and work hard to fix it. Leave the ears, eyes, etc to later. Survival is the all important - deal with the rest afterwards, if the body survives.

So, first thing the Monash Hospital (amongst others who are aware, I'm sure) looks at when someone presents with chronic ear troubles is the liver. I'm no expert, but I'd think that if the liver isn't functioning sufficiently to do its job, other organs are compromised and that would, I suspect, include the kidneys.

That's my unqualified take on it. It is also why I'm very much into going beyond and beneath the symptoms of things such as allergies or symptoms mimicking allergy reactions. My question is often "So, the dog is allergic. But WHY can't his body deal with the allergens as it should?" and I delve further.

Edited to add : Sorry, no links to anything on it, but if you can't find anything (assuming you've googled?) perhaps give someone at the Monash Hospital a call and they may be able to point you in the right direction?

Edited October 19, 2013 by Erny