Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Epidemiological study of dogs with otitis externa in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
- Journal:
- The Canadian veterinary journal = La revue veterinaire canadienne
- Year:
- 2017
- Authors:
- Perry, Laura R et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Biology (Perry · Australia
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
Between May 2008 and December 2013, a study at a veterinary clinic in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia found that about 16% of dogs had otitis externa, which is an infection or inflammation of the outer ear. Out of these cases, 24% of the dogs had one or more flare-ups even after being treated with topical medications that fight infection and reduce inflammation. The study showed that dogs with floppy ears were more likely to develop this condition, but having hairy ears didn't seem to make a difference. In a closer look at 60 dogs with the condition, bacteria were found in nearly half of the infections. Overall, the study highlighted how common otitis externa is in the area and how effective the treatments were in typical veterinary practice.
Abstract
From May 2008 to December 2013, 320 cases of otitis externa were diagnosed among 2012 dogs undergoing routine physical examinations at Celtic Creatures Veterinary Clinic, Sydney River, Nova Scotia for a diagnosis frequency of 15.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 14.3% to 17.6%]. Twenty-four percent of these dogs exhibited 1 or multiple recurrences despite initial treatment with topical antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory solutions. The frequency of diagnosis was significantly higher in breeds with pendulous ears, but was not affected by ear hairiness. There were no seasonal patterns in the frequency of diagnosis. In clinical examination of 60 dogs with otitis externa, bacteria were evident in 47% of infections. Of 10 genera cultured,spp. and diptheroids were most common. In this study, analysis of clinical records provided insights into the local prevalence of otitis externa and the efficacy of treatment in routine clinical situations.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28216686/