OTITIS EXTERNA - DOG AND CATS

It is an acute or chronic inflammation of the external ear canal. Owner may complaint about head shaking, head rubbing, ear scratching, and discharge from one or both ears, head tilt or hearing deficit. Physical examination will reveal aural priritis, edema of ear canal, erosions, ulcers, alopecia on the pinna and signs of generalised skin disease. Diagnosis can be made on the basis of history, clinical signs, ear canal cytologic examination, culture and sensitivity, otoscopic examination, CT scan, MRI and allergy testing. Treatment may include antibiotics, orticosteroids, antifungal drugs and ear flushing.