Otitis Externa in the Dog*

Abstract

Abstract— The findings of two recent surveys of external ear disease in dogs are summarized, with particular reference to the aetiology of the condition and the results obtained with some methods of treatment.The commonest predisposing factors to otitis were clinical skin disease and ectoparasitic infestation, in that order. The appearance of the discharge in affected ears appeared to be related to the tissue changes present and to the nature of the infectious agents.Antibiotic sensitivity tests were of value and most cases responded promptly to appropriate medical treatment. In the more chronic cases, which were usually associated with considerable changes of the epithelium, treatment was often prolonged and about one in ten showed no improvement.Where medical treatment failed, thorough cleaning of the ear, under general anesthesia, was of value.A surgical technique is described which has been used with success in a number of cases and which, in certain circumstances, appears to have some advantage over the methods described by Zepp and Singh and Rao.