My dog has thick and sore ear flaps...?

It sounds like aural hematomas (swollen ear flaps) are a moderately common condition in dogs...generally caused from vigorus shaking of head. The ears strike hard surface and cause hemorage between the layers.

Untreated aematomas may heal without any treatment over a period of time. However, this option is preferred only in cases where the dog cannot be given an anesthesia. Left alone, an aural hematoma can disfigure the ears giving them a shape that is commonly known as ‘cauliflower’ ears.

Treatment options for aural hematomas include a simple aspiration, pie-crusting sutures and placement of a teat cannula. Aspiration involves draining of the fluid with a syringe. This only serves a temporary purpose as the space vacated by the fluid is easily filled by another spurt of blood or fluid.

I've included a link so you can see if it's what you're dealing with.

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_aural_hematom...

Ear problems can be very common in dogs, and because a bulldog's ear is covered by an ear flap, it makes the inside of the ear canal warm and moist. It's pretty easy to tell if your dog has an ear infection, as they will probably be seen shaking their head, or rubbing their head against furniture or the carpet. There might also be a yellow, brown or black discharge in one or both ears.They may also whine if the infection is causing them discomfort, and you can often smell an unpleasant odour from around the ear itself. If your dog displays any of these symptoms, take a closer look at the ear and you will probably notice that the ear canal is red and inflamed. If you touch the ear itself, it will often hurt.

Causes include ear mites , allergies , yeast infection, food allergies, foreign bodies such as plant awns (seen in the western part of the USA), obstruction due to cancer, polyps, and excessive hair. Autoimmune diseases can also cause ear infections.

The two most common infections are otitis externa, infection of the ear canal, and otitis media, the infection of the middle ear. The cause of the ear canal infection, is most commonly bacterial or yeast related. It can also be a result of wax build up, thick or matted hair in the canal, debris, impaired drainage of the ear, mite infestations or a secondary result of another bodily infection. Otitis media, an infection of the middle ear, is a common result of the spread of an infection from the ear canal, where debris, ulceration, or improper cleaning ruptures the eardrum moving the infection into the middle ear.

Most ear infections are easily and successfully treated. But if left untreated, they could result in serious damage.

I would strongly suggest you take her to a different vet and get a second opionion. Be sure to bring all the medication you are using when you go to see the other vet. Ear issues should be taken seriously as they are generally extremely painful and when left untreated can become cronic and even lead to deafness.

Bulldogs, pits and similar breeds are very prone to sensitive skin and allergies. Have they checked for allergies, mites, infections and such? Do they have her on a topical med or did they give you a pill prescription? They may need to treat her internally and externally.

My first reaction would be that she might be having an allergic reaction. Try gradually switching her to a lamb and rice food, try eliminating possible allergen sources from your home.