Chronic Ear Infections

Google Answers: Golden Retreiver chronic ear infection: "Some dogs have chronic ear problems (the infection is not controlled by general medication or returns when general medication is discontinued). In these cases, the ear discharge should be cultured so that the precise organism can be pinpointed and treated specifically. Regular treatment at home with disinfecting ear washes should become part of the pet's grooming routine.
Further testing may be in order to determine why the infection
continues to recur. Allergy is the most common reason for recurrent ear problems.
Ask your vet if s/he thinks skipping an ear washing and ear drops the day of culturing, to allow a greater chance of collecting organisms, is a good idea.
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_ear_infections.html"
--good advise
E.S.