Otitis externa in the dog and cat

Otitis externa is among the most common diseases in the dog and cat. In the dog, anatomical peculiarities are the predominant causes, whereas in the c at mostly ear mite infestations lead to acute or chronic infections of the external ear canal. For a correct diagnosis, a thorough investigation of th e ear canal including the tympanic membrane must be performed. In the cours e of the diagnostic procedure as well as part of the treatment, careful cle aning and flushings are essential. Sometimes, this will only be possible un der general anesthesia. Conservative and surgical therapy of otitis externa above all aim at ameliorating the microenvironment. For an effective treat ment of the causative microorganisms, samples must be drawn prior to ear cl eaning. Anatomical and pathological cirumstances are signports for the choi ce of therapy and for prognosis.