Otitis medial/interna in cattle

The incidence of otitis media/interna in cattle is likely higher than curre ntly assumed because signs must become quite severe before the condition is noticed. Documented cases have occurred shortly after weaning or in the fi rst months in the feedlot, and there is a strong association with pneumonia . The infection may become established in the middle ear as a complication of respiratory disease. Bacteria or viruses commonly responsible for respir atory disease may enter the middle ear via the eustachian tube. Vestibuloco chlear and facial nerve dysfunction is apparently reversible with treatment of the primary infection.