Tearing on ears

My basset hound has always had these on the edges of his ears where it looks like they’re ripped😬 He was previously abused before I got him so didn’t know if it could be a result of that or if it’s a medical issue that he needs to go to the vet for. I’ve tried cleaning them to make sure nothing was on them etc. Anyone seen this before or know what could cause it?

Hello - parasites and skin disease can be common causes of ear margin disease.  Some parasites, for example demodex mites, can be associated with low immunity which in turn can be associated with animals that had a hard start.  Be aware of a somewhat unpleasant disease called pinnal vasculitis which may be an emergency.  Other possibilities include ringworm (which can be passed to people so keep fingers clear should you be suspicious), frost-bite, different kinds of mites (including Scabies and the aforementioned demodex) and hormonal diseases, such as hypothyroidism.  There is a primary condition called ear-margin hyperkeratosis, by which keratin builds up at the pinna-edges.  A vet will help you to tell the difference between all of these possibilities, in order that your dog can get the appropriate treatment for them.