During a routine, well-patient vaccination visit we discovered that Clare had moderate inflammation of both ear canals, along with some ceruminous discharge.
No diagnostic information could be obtained with the otoscope alone, so we performed a test called Cytology. I was surprised that no infectious organisms were found, as infection is the most common cause of ear inflammation, which leads to ceruminous gland inflammation and stimulation, then to excessive ceruminous gland production and “dirty” ears.
As the office visit went on our client mentioned that he and his wife had to move into a one-bedroom apartment with two large dogs and a cat.
Trying to be concerned but not nosy I asked, “Why?”
“Our house was renovated after Hurricane Katrina, not too long before we bought it”, he said. “Ours, and several other houses on our block were redone by the same contractor, and he used some of that defective Chinese drywall. Not only did we have to move out, but all of the wallboard, appliances, furniture and carpet had to be thrown away. Everything in the house was contaminated.”
That got me to thinking. There has to be a source of inflammation in Clare’s ears, something to stimulate those wax glands of the ears. Could it be that fumes from the Chinese drywall were causing this syndrome? While the owners were having respiratory tract signs, could it be that Clare was suffering from ear problems because of the
drywall fumes?
There is no way to know for sure, but Clare won’t be re-entering the affected house, and we instituted no treatment, only weekly ear cleanings with DermaPet brand ear/skin cleanser.
We won’t be seeing Clare again for six months, but I would bet my socks that her ear problems are, indeed, Chinese drywall-fume-related.
See you tomorrow, Dr. Randolph.
I lived in a condo complex that had incidents of Chinese drywall but my unit tested clean. You couldn’t have told my dog that though. She developed MASSIVE ear infections, started losing her hair and was very lethargic. She’s an 11 year old Lab so I figured I would have to put her down because she probably developed allergies in her old age. We moved three weeks ago and I was too busy to make an appointment plus I really didn’t want to euthanize her so I procrastinated. Well guess who’s no longer sick?!? Her ears cleared up, she no longer smells like death and ALL of her hair has regrown! I believe it was the house.
Sounds like convincing evidence to me, Leilani. Thanks for the report!
We have a house that was affected by the Chinese drywall and our beloved dog passed away shortly after moving there. I Googled cysts and Chinese drywall because I have now developed cysts and was curious if the drywall would have been the cause. It led me to this article and reminded my of the ear problems both my dog AND my son had living in that house. Our dog became covered in cysts (eyes, legs, hips), eventually passing from liver, renal and nervous system failure – all unknown causes. Our dog and son also had severe ear problems and discharges while living in that house much like described above. I myself experienced severe weight loss and thyroid problems that are now resolved since leaving the property. My husband had renal failure living in that property too. We do not believe any of this is a coincidence. Drywall is the only answer. We live in Florida.
I am an attorney representing hundreds of homeowners with Chinese drywall throughout Florida. A large percentage of my clients have advised me that their pets are experiencing adverse health effects from Chinese drywall, including dermatological issues, respiratory problems, ear infections and tumors. A few have reported elevated eosinophils. Sadly, many of my clients have reported that their cats have passed away unexpectedly while living in their homes constructed with Chinese drywall. I hope this information is helpful to you.