Otitis Externa Aetiology Quiz

Inflammation of the outer ear canal. Can affect any species with external auditory components.

A type of skin inflammation that can affect the external ear. It's a common reason for small animal visits to the vet.

The cartilage and bony portion of the outer ear, as well as the eardrum, are covered by skin.

The outer layer of skin, thin and layered, containing keratin.

The inner layer of skin containing structures like hair follicles, sebaceous glands, and apocrine glands.

Oil glands in the ear that produce sebum.

Modified sweat glands in the ear that also contribute to earwax.

A mixture of secretions from sebaceous and apocrine glands, as well as dead skin cells. It helps clean the ear canal.

Salamectin (Stronghold®) is a spot-on treatment for ear mites in dogs and cats.

Ivermectin (Xeno ® Spot on) is a spot-on treatment for ear mites in rabbits.

Imidacloprid (Advocate®) is a spot-on treatment for ear mites in dogs and cats.

Fluralaner (Bravecto®) is a spot-on treatment for ear mites in dogs and cats.

Corticosteroids are used to reduce inflammation and pain in acute and chronic ear infections.

Recicort® is a topical corticosteroid that targets ear infections without affecting bacteria or fungal infections.

Antibiotics and antifungals are used to treat bacterial and yeast infections in the ear.

The choice between systemic and topical treatment depends on the severity and type of ear infection.

The most common reason for ear infections to return is not properly identifying the root cause.

Addressing the primary cause, secondary causes, perpetuating factors, and predisposing factors are crucial for successful treatment.

These relate to underlying conditions that contribute to ear infections.

These are things that maintain or worsen an ear infection.

Cleaning the ears, treating secondary infections and inflammation, and managing owner expectations are important aspects of allergy treatment.

Systemic treatment is recommended as mites can live on the body and re-infest.

Examples include fleas, ticks, fungal infections, and viruses.

These are conditions that directly cause the ear infection.

A type of ear infection that affects the outer ear canal (between the eardrum and the outside of the ear).

A thin layer of bacteria and other microorganisms that can build up on the surface of the ear canal, making it difficult for medications to penetrate.

These are used to help remove debris and bacteria from the ear; they are usually made of cotton or other absorbent material and inserted into the ear canal.

Solutions used to clean the ear canal, often containing ingredients that break down wax, soften debris, and/or have mild antimicrobial properties.

A technique that involves using a gentle stream of liquid to flush out debris from the ear canal.

A substance that causes irritation or inflammation, often due to direct contact with the skin or mucous membranes.

A substance that can damage the inner ear, potentially leading to hearing loss or balance problems.

A specialized cleaning solution for the ears, containing TrizEDTA, that helps break down biofilm and potentiates the effectiveness of antimicrobial agents.

A procedure to clean the ear canal using a syringe and a fluid, usually sterile saline or diluted chlorhexidine solution.

Photodynamic therapy is a treatment that utilizes porphyrins as photosensitizing molecules to target and destroy microorganisms. It involves the uptake of porphyrins by the microorganisms, followed by exposure to white light, leading to their destruction. This therapy is considered a potential alternative treatment for ear infections.

Factors that contribute to ongoing or recurring ear infections, such as humidity, incorrect cleaning practices, or underlying systemic illnesses.

Surgical procedures may be necessary in cases of ear infections that are resistant to medical management, such as removing a growth (neoplasia) or correcting a congenital narrowing (stenosis) of the ear canal.

A surgical procedure that removes a portion of the lateral wall of the ear canal to improve drainage and provide better access to the ear canal for inspection and treatment. Often used for recurring infections or tumors in the ear canal.

A surgical procedure that involves destroying the vertical canal of the ear to treat severe, irreversible ear infections. This procedure is rarely recommended as it is often unsuccessful.

A surgical procedure that involves completely removing the ear canal and sometimes removing a portion of the bone (bulla) in the ear. This procedure is often chosen for cases of chronic, severe ear infections or ear tumors. The dog will be deaf in the affected ear after this surgery.

A common reason for recurring ear infections in dogs?

A crucial step in treating ear infections is to identify and address the underlying causes, such as allergies or ear mites, to prevent the infection from recurring.

Prior to starting any treatments, thoroughly clean and remove all debris and discharge from the ear canal, as this can make a big difference in managing the infection.

Inflammation of the ear canal often requires medications to decrease the swelling and improve drainage, but these medications are ineffective if the canal is completely closed. To address this, corticosteroids can be given for a short time to reduce the swelling, allowing for examination and follow-up treatment.

Establishing a long-term management plan after treating ear infections is critical to prevent recurrence. This involves regular cleaning, ongoing medication, and follow-up examinations