Malassezia otitis — frequently asked questions

Abstract

Ear disease is a common problem in primary care practice. A clear understanding of the underlying causes of disease, the need to recognise and treat infection effectively and reverse chronic change to the canal, are key to resolving disease and preventing recurrence. Although symptomatic therapy with cleaners and drops have their place when the client presents their pet for the first time, the prolonged use of medication without addressing underlying primary causes and managing change within the canal will lead to recurrence of the problem; ongoing damage to the canal often with extension into the middle ear and potentially the development of multiply resistant infections. This is the second in a series of articles that addresses some of the most common challenges faced in practice in the management of ear disease. It has been prepared as a series of frequently asked questions.